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Iron Deficiency and Anemia May Be More Common Than We Know

2024/12/6

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Angela Wyand

Rachel Feldman

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Rachel Feldman：许多青少年和年轻人的疲劳可能与缺铁有关，月经会增加缺铁的风险，而医生往往没有意识到这一点。研究表明，相当一部分青少年和年轻人的疲劳可能源于缺铁，月经期女性的缺铁风险更高，但医生往往对此认识不足。 Angela Wyand：贫血是指血红蛋白水平低，导致组织缺氧，症状包括疲劳等，贫血的准确诊断非常重要。缺铁性贫血是未被诊断的常见问题，缺铁即使不贫血也可能导致多种症状。一项研究发现，近40%的12至21岁健康女性缺铁，6%的女性同时患有缺铁性贫血。缺铁和贫血的症状（如疲劳、睡眠障碍、抑郁和焦虑）不特异性，容易被误诊或忽视。育龄妇女和幼儿是缺铁和贫血的高发人群。医生应该重视缺铁对身体其他功能的影响，即使患者未出现贫血症状。患者应了解缺铁的普遍性和可治疗性，积极就医。月经量过多是青少年缺铁性贫血的重要原因，应重视月经正常的定义。 Angela Wyand：贫血是指血红蛋白水平低，导致组织缺氧，症状包括疲劳等，贫血的准确诊断非常重要。缺铁性贫血是未被诊断的常见问题，缺铁即使不贫血也可能导致多种症状。一项研究发现，近40%的12至21岁健康女性缺铁，6%的女性同时患有缺铁性贫血。缺铁和贫血的症状（如疲劳、睡眠障碍、抑郁和焦虑）不特异性，容易被误诊或忽视。育龄妇女和幼儿是缺铁和贫血的高发人群。医生应该重视缺铁对身体其他功能的影响，即使患者未出现贫血症状。患者应了解缺铁的普遍性和可治疗性，积极就医。月经量过多是青少年缺铁性贫血的重要原因，应重视月经正常的定义。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why is iron deficiency a significant health issue for young women?

Iron deficiency is a significant health issue for young women, especially those with heavy menstrual bleeding, as it can lead to fatigue, mental health issues, and other symptoms. Nearly 40% of otherwise healthy adolescent women are iron-deficient, and 6% are anemic, according to a study using a national database.

Why do doctors often miss cases of iron deficiency and anemia in adolescents?

Doctors often miss cases of iron deficiency and anemia in adolescents because the symptoms are nonspecific and can be attributed to other common issues like stress, lack of sleep, and busy lifestyles. Symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, and hair loss can be caused by multiple factors, making it difficult to pinpoint iron deficiency.

Why is it important to diagnose iron deficiency even before it leads to anemia?

It is important to diagnose iron deficiency even before it leads to anemia because iron is involved in various bodily processes beyond just red blood cell production. Iron deficiency can cause symptoms like poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, which can significantly impact quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve these symptoms.

What are the main takeaways for patients regarding iron deficiency and anemia?

The main takeaways for patients are to be aware that iron deficiency is prevalent, especially in women who menstruate, and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Patients should not hesitate to discuss these symptoms with their healthcare provider and advocate for testing. Effective and inexpensive treatments are available and can significantly improve well-being.

What is considered a normal menstrual cycle, and why is this important for identifying iron deficiency?

A normal menstrual cycle should not last more than seven days, and you should be able to go multiple hours without changing a product. Signs of abnormal bleeding include bleeding for more than a week, needing to change products frequently, having accidents, and waking up at night to change. Identifying abnormal menstrual bleeding is crucial for preventing severe iron deficiency and anemia.

Shownotes Transcript

Low iron levels can cause fatigue and impact mental health, but doctors often miss cases of iron deficiency and anemia. Pediatric hematologist Angela Weyand, a clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, points to one population that could be at a higher risk—young women with heavy menstrual bleeding. In one study from a national database, nearly 40 percent of otherwise healthy adolescent women were iron-deficient, and 6 percent were additionally anemic. Awareness and self-advocacy could help people receive accessible and inexpensive treatments for low iron levels.

Iron Deficiency and Anemia May Be More Common Than We Know 10:59 Share