If a woman's body does not have adequate levels of red blood cells, a type of immune cell, she can be diagnosed with a condition called anemia. Approximately 7 percent of women within the United States have anemia, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the December 2008 issue of "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." The symptoms of anemia in women can be subtle but should be discussed with a doctor if they occur.
Fatigue and Weakness
The two most common symptoms associated with anemia in women are fatigue and weakness, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. For women with anemia, it is harder for their bodies to transport oxygen through the blood to the cells, tissues and organs. As a result, their bodies do not have enough oxygen to generate the energy the body needs to perform normal, physical tasks. This lack of oxygen causes women to experience excessive fatigue and weakness, which may affect their ability to remain active and alert while at work or school. Women who experience sudden, unexplained or persistent weakness or fatigue should seek additional care from a medical professional.
Headache or Dizziness
Women with anemia can experience frequent headaches or episodes of dizziness as symptoms of this condition. Painful headache symptoms can occur within any region of the head and can make it difficult for women to concentrate. Sensations of dizziness may cause anemic women to appear unstable when attempting to walk or stand up. If these anemia symptoms persist or worsen, affected women should consult a physician.
Cold Extremities
Anemia can cause women to experience sensations of numbness or coldness within the extremities, reports the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. An anemic woman's hands or feet can feel cold to the touch or appear pale in color. Affected women may also have an unusually low body temperature.
Mood-related Changes
Unusual mood-related changes may arise as a symptom of anemia in certain women. Affected women may become abnormally irritable or confused, which may impact their relationships with friends, colleagues or family members. Sudden or severe mood-related changes should be discussed with a medical professional immediately.
Pale Skin
Low levels of red blood cells within the body can cause women with anemia to appear unusually pale or sickly. Skin discoloration due to anemia is temporary and will resolve once red blood levels within the body are restored.
Heart Rate or Breathing Abnormalities
Women with anemia may develop heart rate or breathing abnormalities as symptoms of this condition. Affected women can experience shortness of breath, chest pain or an unusually rapid heart rate. If these symptoms of anemia occur, affected women should seek additional medical treatment.
References
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Unexplained Decline in the Prevalence of Anemia Among US Children and Women Between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anemia - Symptoms
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Anemia
- PDRHealth: Anemia
- Nemours Foundation: Anemia
