What are the types and causes of anemia?
Anemia happens when: • the body loses too much blood (such as with heavy periods, certain diseases, and trauma); or • the body has problems making red blood cells; or • red blood cells break down or die faster than the body can replace them with new ones; or • more than one of these problems happen at the same time. There are many types of anemia, all with different causes: • Iron deficiency anemia (IDA). IDA is the most common type of anemia. IDA happens when you don’t have enough iron in your body. You need iron to make hemoglobin. People with this type of anemia are sometimes said to have “iron-poor blood” or “tired blood.” A person can have a low iron level because of blood loss. In women, iron and red blood cells are lost when bleeding occurs from very heavy and long periods, as well as from childbirth. Women also can lose iron and red blood cells from uterine fibroids, which can bleed slowly. Other ways iron and red blood cells can be lost include: • ulcers, colon polyps, or colo
