Anaemia is often dismissed as simply having low haemoglobin. However, for millions of women, it is a significant health concern that can affect energy levels, concentration, physical capacity, work performance, pregnancy and overall quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 30% of women aged 15–49 years worldwide are affected by anaemia. The situation is particularly concerning in India. According to NFHS-5 (2019–2021), 57% of women aged 15–49 years were anaemic, compared with 53.1% in NFHS-4.
For working women balancing professional responsibilities, household duties and family commitments, anaemia can have a particularly significant impact.
Why Are Working Women Vulnerable to Anaemia?
Modern working women often manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Long working hours, irregular meals, inadequate sleep and reliance on convenience foods can make it difficult to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.
Women of reproductive age also face additional risk because of regular menstrual blood loss. The risk can increase when periods are particularly heavy or prolonged.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding further increase nutritional requirements. Closely spaced pregnancies and certain chronic health conditions may also contribute to anaemia.
While iron deficiency is an important cause of anaemia, it is not the only one. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, infections, chronic diseases, blood loss and inherited disorders such as thalassemia can also cause anaemia.
This is why taking iron supplements without identifying the underlying cause may not always be appropriate. Medical evaluation can help determine the reason for anaemia and guide suitable treatment.
Anaemia Symptoms Are Often Overlooked
Anaemia can develop gradually. As a result, women may adjust to the symptoms and assume that constant tiredness is simply part of a busy lifestyle.
Common symptoms can include:
- Persistent tiredness and weakness
- Reduced stamina
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Breathlessness during physical activity
- Palpitations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced physical capacity
These symptoms can affect professional performance as well as personal well-being. What may appear to be ordinary workplace fatigue could sometimes be a sign of an underlying health problem.
Heavy Periods Should Not Be Ignored
Heavy menstrual bleeding can increase the risk of iron deficiency and anaemia because of ongoing blood loss.
Women experiencing unusually heavy or prolonged periods should consider seeking medical evaluation. Treating anaemia alone may not be enough if excessive menstrual bleeding continues.
The underlying cause of heavy menstrual bleeding should also be identified and appropriately managed.
Diet Plays an Important Role in Prevention
A balanced diet can help support healthy iron levels and overall nutrition.
Iron-rich foods include:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Pulses and lentils
- Beans
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggs
- Iron-fortified foods, where appropriate
Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables can help improve iron absorption when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
At the same time, tea and coffee consumed close to iron-rich meals may reduce iron absorption. Spacing tea or coffee away from meals may therefore be helpful.
However, diet alone may not correct established iron deficiency anaemia. Depending on the cause and severity, a doctor may recommend iron supplementation or other treatment following appropriate assessment.
A Simple Blood Test Can Help Identify Anaemia
A Complete Blood Count (CBC), including haemoglobin measurement, can help identify anaemia.
Depending on a woman’s symptoms and clinical situation, a healthcare professional may recommend additional investigations, such as:
- Serum ferritin
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Other relevant blood tests
These tests can help determine whether iron deficiency or another underlying condition is responsible.
Women planning pregnancy should ideally address anaemia and nutritional deficiencies before conception, rather than waiting until pregnancy.
Workplaces Can Also Support Women’s Health
Women’s health is not only an individual responsibility. Workplaces can play an important role in supporting employees’ well-being.
Employers can help by:
- Encouraging regular meal breaks
- Providing healthier food options
- Supporting menstrual health
- Creating a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable seeking medical care
- Promoting preventive health check-ups
- Considering health screening programmes that include haemoglobin assessment
Creating a supportive workplace can help women prioritise their health without feeling that medical needs are competing with professional responsibilities.
A Message to Every Working Woman
Being constantly exhausted is not a badge of being a successful working woman.
Persistent fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding, breathlessness, dizziness and reduced work capacity should not simply be attributed to a hectic schedule.
Recognising the symptoms and seeking appropriate medical advice can help identify anaemia early and ensure that the underlying cause is addressed.
Anaemia is preventable and treatable in many cases. The first step is to stop ignoring the symptoms.
“A healthy woman is not merely more productive at work, she is healthier for herself, her family and society.”
— Dr. Subashini G, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Mehta’s Hospitals
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