Unlock the Hidden Anemia Warning Signs Every Woman Is Ignoring – Are You at Risk Right Now?

Ever wondered why some people just seem tired all the time, almost like life’s heavy punch is landing just a bit too hard? Could it be something hidden beneath the surface, creeping in quietly before making a mess of your energy and well-being? That something might just be anemia—a condition that quietly sidelines nearly 10 percent of Americans, hitting women especially hard and often flying under the radar until things get serious. Think of it as an invisible opponent, sneaking in with subtle signs that can be mistaken for everyday stress or just “one of those days.” In this article, we’ll dive deep into the sneaky symptoms that can fool even the savviest among us, unpack what causes anemia, and lay out a smart game plan for what to do if you suspect you’re caught in its grip. Get ready to fight back—because knowing is half the battle. LEARN MORE

Even though anemia is not as common in the United States (affecting roughly 10 percent of people) as it is worldwide (affecting nearly 30 percent of people), it often affects more women than men and can cause problems if it goes undiagnosed. Here, we’re sharing the anemia symptoms to look out for, including sneaky early warning signs that may be mistaken for other conditions, plus what to do if you suspect you have anemia.

What causes anemia?

“Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells, or hemoglobin, to carry adequate oxygen to tissues,” explains María Del Mar Félix Morales, MD, an internal medicine physician in Florida and the Medical Advisor for Aeroflow Diabetes. Anemia has many causes, but they can be broken down into three categories: blood loss, low or faulty production of red blood cells or increased destruction of red blood cells.

“In the case of blood loss, anemia occurs as a result of heavy menstruation, bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract (think ulcers, hemorrhoids or colon cancer), surgery or trauma,” says Brynna Connor, MD, a family medicine physician in Austin, TX, and the Healthcare Ambassador at NorthwestPharmacy.com. “With decreased or faulty red blood cell production, the underlying cause of anemia can be traced to nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron, vitamin B12 or folate, bone marrow disorders such as aplastic anemia (a rare but serious blood disorder where the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough new blood cells) or myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic diseases like kidney disease or cancer.”

Meanwhile, anemia due to increased red blood cell destruction is typically seen in conditions like hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Evans syndrome, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Connor adds. 

Risk factors that increase your chances of anemia

If you have one or more of the diagnoses or conditions above, that means you’re more likely to have anemia. But there are also a few other groups of people who are at a higher risk, according to Dr. Connor. They include:

• Women of reproductive age
• Pregnant women
• Older adults
• People with chronic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, kidney disease or cancer
• People with poor diets
• People with malabsorption conditions, such as Crohn’s or celiac disease

Early anemia symptoms you might overlook

“There are many signs and symptoms of anemia that can be easy to overlook or mistake for another disease,” says Dr. Felix. “For that reason, we always look for secondary causes of the symptoms to rule out in diagnosis.” Symptoms of anemia include:

If any of these anemia symptoms are new to you, they’re worth noting and contacting your healthcare provider. “Too often, these symptoms go unrecognized and/or untreated until anemia worsens,” Dr. Connor says.

“There are many signs of anemia that can be easy to overlook or mistake for another disease.” —María Del Mar Félix Morales, MD

When to seek urgent medical attention for anemia

In addition to these early anemia symptoms, other, more serious ones would warrant urgent medical care. “If a person experiences chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, palpitations or fainting, I recommend visiting the ER to be evaluated for the possibility of the heart not getting enough oxygen,” says Dr. Felix. “If the heart is trying to compensate, other symptoms can follow very quickly. This decompensation can lead to serious complications like heart attack, acute kidney disease or even death.”

Anemia symptoms in men vs. women

Anemia is roughly twice as common in women as it is in men up to age 60, according to the CDC. For people 60 and older, the number of men and women who experience anemia is about the same. While the general symptoms of anemia are the same in women and men at any age, the context of the symptoms differs greatly—and this difference can be the key to an anemia diagnosis. 

“In women, heavy menstrual bleeding and pregnancy-related nutrient deficiencies are common causes of anemia, which can contribute to symptoms such as worsening PMS, heavier periods, and/or hair thinning,” Dr. Connor says. “Anemia is less common in men, so it raises red flags for potential serious underlying health issues, such as gastrointestinal issues or chronic disease. It’s also possible for anemia to present later and/or with more advanced symptoms in men, as they’re less likely to be routinely screened for the disorder.”

What to do if you suspect you have anemia

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms and you know you have at least one possible risk factor for anemia, it’s worth making an appointment with your healthcare provider. “Your primary care physician (PCP) is capable of diagnosing and managing most types of anemia,” says Dr. Connor. 

“They’ll typically start with running a complete blood count (called a CBC), iron studies, determining vitamin B12 and folate levels and potentially a reticulocyte count (specifically done to evaluate the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells) or a peripheral blood smear (to examine the appearance and characteristics of red blood cells under a microscope),” she adds. You may be referred to a hematologist if the anemia is severe or your provider is having trouble determining the root cause.

Once confirmed, treatment for anemia focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which means it can vary widely. It could include eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements, supplementing with B12 or in severe cases, getting a blood transfusion, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, it’s very effective. “Often, by treating the underlying cause of anemia, the person will feel much better and their overall health will improve,” says Dr. Felix.