Anaemia is often dismissed as simply having low haemoglobin, but for millions of women, it can be a significant health concern affecting energy, concentration, physical stamina, 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. In India, the concern is particularly significant. 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, family commitments and personal health, the signs of anaemia can sometimes be mistaken for ordinary tiredness or the effects of a busy lifestyle.
Why Are Working Women Vulnerable to Anaemia?
Modern working women often manage multiple responsibilities, including professional commitments, household duties and childcare. Long working hours, irregular meals, inadequate sleep and dependence on convenience foods can make it challenging to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.
Women of reproductive age also have an additional risk factor: regular menstrual blood loss. The risk of iron deficiency may be greater in women experiencing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can further increase nutritional requirements. Closely spaced pregnancies and certain chronic illnesses may also contribute to anaemia.
However, iron deficiency is not the only cause of anaemia.
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, infections, chronic diseases, blood loss and inherited blood disorders such as thalassemia can also cause anaemia. This is why identifying the underlying cause is important rather than assuming that every case of anaemia is caused by iron deficiency.
Anaemia Symptoms Are Often Overlooked
Anaemia can develop gradually. As a result, women may become accustomed to symptoms without recognising them as signs of a health problem.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent tiredness and low energy
- Reduced physical stamina
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Breathlessness, particularly during exertion
- Palpitations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced ability to perform daily activities
For working women, these symptoms may easily be attributed to long working hours, stress, insufficient sleep or an otherwise hectic routine.
But persistent fatigue should not always be accepted as part of a busy lifestyle.
Anaemia can affect physical capacity, concentration and work performance, ultimately influencing both individual well-being and productivity.
Heavy Periods Should Not Be Ignored
Heavy menstrual bleeding can contribute to iron deficiency and anaemia because of increased blood loss.
Women experiencing unusually heavy or prolonged periods should consider seeking medical evaluation. Treating the anaemia alone may not be enough if the underlying cause of excessive menstrual bleeding remains untreated.
Identifying and managing the reason for heavy menstrual bleeding is therefore an important part of women’s health.
Diet Plays an Important Role
A balanced diet can support healthy iron levels and overall nutrition.
Iron-rich foods can include:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Pulses and beans
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggs
- Iron-fortified foods, where appropriate
Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables can also help improve the absorption of iron from food.
At the same time, tea and coffee consumed close to iron-rich meals can reduce iron absorption. Spacing these beverages 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 Detect 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 blood tests to identify the underlying cause
The appropriate tests depend on the individual and should be determined by a healthcare professional.
Women planning pregnancy should ideally address known anaemia and nutritional deficiencies before conception rather than waiting until pregnancy.
The Workplace Can Be Part of the Solution
Workplaces can also play a role in improving women’s health.
Employers can support employees by encouraging:
- Regular meal breaks
- Access to healthier food choices
- Menstrual health awareness
- A supportive workplace environment
- Access to appropriate healthcare
- Health screening initiatives where suitable
Creating a workplace culture where women feel comfortable discussing health concerns can encourage earlier medical evaluation and treatment.
Workplace health programmes that include haemoglobin assessment may also help identify women who have anaemia and may not yet recognise their symptoms.
A Message to Every Working Woman
Being constantly exhausted should not simply be considered the price of being a successful working woman.
Persistent fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding, breathlessness, dizziness or reduced physical and work capacity deserve attention.
Early identification of anaemia and appropriate treatment can help restore energy, improve quality of life and support better health, including during future pregnancies.
Most importantly, women should not self-diagnose the cause of anaemia or automatically assume that iron supplements are the right solution. Finding the underlying cause is an important part of appropriate care.
Anaemia Is Preventable and Treatable
Anaemia remains an important women’s health issue, particularly among women of reproductive age. For working women, recognising the warning signs can be the first step towards better health.
A healthy diet, awareness of menstrual health, appropriate screening and timely medical evaluation can all contribute to preventing or addressing anaemia.
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 & society.”
— Dr. Subashini G., Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Mehta’s Hospitals
