Anemia during female puberty, is it normal? 2026

Anemia means that the blood does not have a sufficient number of red blood cells, cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body's tissues and organs. There are many types of anemia, although that caused by iron deficiency is one of the most common, especially during female puberty, when the arrival of menstruation can cause the adolescent's body to not have enough iron for the production of red blood cells.

But what is the connection between iron and red blood cells? Inside each red blood cell we find a protein, known as hemoglobin. This is responsible for transporting oxygen to each cell in our body. Oxygen, as you probably know, is an essential source of energy for every cell.

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Iron, in fact, is part of hemoglobin. And most of the iron in our body is found in hemoglobin, as well as in a similar protein in muscle, known as myoglobin.

Iron enters our body from the food we eat, and leaves the body mainly when we bleed. Bleeding causes the loss of red blood cells, and also a huge amount of iron.

It is for this reason that adolescent girls tend to be particularly susceptible to iron deficiency anemia, especially from the moment they begin to have monthly menstrual bleeding. And added to this is its inability for the body to be able to store so much iron.

This means that, practically every month, they lose not only blood with each menstruation, but also iron. Thus, if the girl does not eat enough foods rich in iron, the most common thing is that, over time, she will end up developing iron deficiency.

The same goes for boys. The rapid growth associated with puberty can also lead to iron deficiency.

What are the symptoms associated with iron deficiency?

Unless the problem is serious, or extends over time, the most common thing is that the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are not very evident. In fact, when the adolescent does not receive enough iron, the amount of iron in the body begins to decrease, first affecting both muscle and brain function, since her body is using all the available iron for the production of hemoglobin.

Thus, when iron levels continue to decrease, the body will end up producing fewer red blood cells, which will ultimately lead to anemia.

If symptoms do occur, the most common ones associated with iron deficiency anemia include:

1. Weakness, tiredness and fatigue.
2. Pale skin, especially around the nails, hands, and eyelids.
3. Rapid heartbeat.
4. Much faster breathing.
5. Little appetite.
6. Irritability.
7. Dizziness or lightheadedness.

How is it diagnosed?

In both older girls and adolescents, the doctor can check the iron levels in the blood by performing a blood test, and depending directly on the symptoms they have.

How is it treated?

If through the blood test it is discovered that the girl has iron deficiency anemia, it is most normal for her to be treated with iron supplements, which are taken orally for a few months, until the iron levels are restored and return to normal. For this reason, it is most common for the doctor to perform follow-up blood tests to ensure that the anemia has disappeared, or at least is improving.

On the other hand, you should keep in mind that iron is better absorbed when administered between meals, which is why it is most advisable to take the supplement mid-morning, between breakfast and lunch, or mid-afternoon, between lunch and dinner.

In addition, vitamin C makes it easier for the body to absorb iron much better. Thus, it may work better when consumed together with foods or drinks high in vitamin C, such as fruits, vegetables, and orange juice.

Of course, calcium makes it more difficult to absorb, so you should not take the iron supplement with milk.