Why Anemia Affects Women More Than Men: Key Insights

Anemia is a condition in which a person has a low number of red blood cells or low levels of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin in red blood cells is responsible for transporting oxygen to the body’s tissues. Without an adequate supply of oxygen, the body cannot function properly.

Statistics by the  WHO indicate that women suffer from anemia more than men. Pre-menopausal women including adolescent girls are the most vulnerable.

Types of Anemia

Microcytic hypochromic anemia;  This condition occurs when a person’s red blood cells are smaller than normal, resulting in lower oxygen levels. This type of anemia can be caused by genetic and environmental factors, including iron deficiency.

Normocytic Normochromic anemia:  In this type, the red blood cells are normal and can carry enough oxygen. But, other conditions cause rapid destruction of the red blood cells leading to a lower number of red blood cells. Bone marrow diseases and diseases of the spleen can cause this type of anemia.

Megaloblastic anemia:  This occurs when a person’s red blood cells are too large and cannot perform their normal function. The body destroys such red blood cells resulting in low oxygen levels.  This condition is often caused by a lack of vitamin B12 and or folic acid.

Symptoms 

People suffering from anemia experience the following symptoms

Tiredness

Fatigue

Pale skin

Headache

Dizziness or light-headedness

Shortness of breath

Cold hands and feet

Causes 

The condition  is caused by several factors including

poor nutrition

excessive bleeding

genetics

infections

inflammation

chronic disease

Why Females Experience Anemia More Than Males

Pre-menopausal women lose a lot of blood through menstruation. Iron is also lost with menstrual blood. Women are, therefore, more likely to become anemic compared to men.

It should be noted that normal menstruation and normal nutrition do not lead to any problems. Losing blood through menstruation without replacement in the form of proper nutrition is the problem.

The sad reality is that in most African homes, food including meat is often shared in such a way that men get more. While men need more oxygen for more complex work, a balance should be maintained to ensure that women get proper nutrition to replace lost blood.

Prevention of Anemia

Most cases can be prevented by proper diet. Eating a balanced diet, proper sleep and exercise are recommended practices.

It is advisable to eat vegetables and meat. Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Vitamin B12 on the other hand, is found in animal products such as meat. Iron is also obtained from meat and vegetables.

Pre-menopausal women and adolescent girls are particularly advised to take in more of these foods to supplement the blood lost during menstruation.

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