Philadelphia, PA
A 21-year-old female asked:
What causes iron deficiency anemia? i was diagnosed years ago, but am now being told it could be a symptom of something else more severe?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Oscar Novickanswered
Pediatrics 60 years experience
Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency can be caused by lack of iron in the food you eat, bleeding, inability to absorb iron as in celiac disease and pregnancy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Susan Rhoads commented
Family Medicine 40 years experience
In women, heavy menstruation is one of the most common causes before menopause, due to blood loss.
Nov 20, 2014
Dr. Kathy Robinsonanswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Many causes: The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in young women is blood loss from menstrual periods. It can also come from blood loss in the digestive system. There can also be problems with insufficient iron in the diet, problems with absorption of iron and with a breakdown of blood cells. Please follow up with your doctor or hematologist to find the cause and treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 26, 2015
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