Multi-tasking is probably what can best describe the daily life of a typical 21st century woman. Gone are the days where women stayed home to take care of their kids. The ?Superwoman? lifestyle is here and it's here to stay. From house work to office work, countless women are doing loads of work and get fatigued. Women may still be exhausted despite getting enough sleep and eating healthy food. Anemia may be one of the reasons why this condition affects thousands if not millions of women around the world. Initially, anemia can be so mild it goes unnoticed. But signs and symptoms increase as the condition worsens. It is important to understand anemia to know the precautions and lifestyle changes that can be done to prevent it from developing into a more serious condition.

Anemia is a blood disorder where there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. It happens when bleeding or blood loss like menstruation leads to hemoglobin deficiency. Hemoglobin is the iron rich protein that carries oxygen to other parts of the body. Anemia is common among women and individuals with chronic diseases. Treatments for this condition may range from taking supplements and eating a healthy, varied diet. Some cases of anemia may be treated with the use of over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

In general, anemia is caused by bleeding, decreased red blood cell destruction, or decreased red blood cell destruction. Unhealthy diet may lead to iron and vitamin deficiency, and eventually to anemia. The serious decline of red blood cell production is the main culprit behind anemic conditions. Excessive bleeding is also another cause of anemia. The speed with which blood loss happens is essential in determining the severity of the symptoms. Chronic blood loss may usually be a result of the following conditions:

cancer

gastrointestinal tumors

diverticulosis

polyposis

heavy menstrual flow

hemorrhoids

nosebleeds

stomach ulcer

long-standing alcohol abuse

The main symptom of most types of anemia is fatigue. Other anemia symptoms include:

Weakness

Pale skin

A fast or irregular heartbeat

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Dizziness

Cognitive problems

Numbness or coldness in your extremities

Headache

The common treatment for minor anemia cases may involve the use of iron and vitamin supplements which are taken for several months or longer. Other causes of blood loss aside from menstruation may require diagnosis and surgery. Other forms of anemia like sickle cell anemia may be treated with pain medications, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids to alleviate pain and prevent health complications. Drugs like antibiotics should be used properly to avoid side effects and other conditions like antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is the microorganisms' ability to withstand the effects of even the most potent antibiotic.

Like other conditions, medical conditions should be sought when signs and symptoms of anemia are developed. Minor cases of this condition can be prevented from developing into serious ones if proper treatment is administered.

Inherited anemias cannot be prevented but genetic counseling can help parents cope with questions and concerns about transmitting disease-causing genes to their children. Avoiding excessive use of alcohol, eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of iron-rich foods, and taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent other cases of anemia.