Anemia

The condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity of hemoglobin.
Normal results vary, but in general are:
• Male: 13.8 to 17.2 gm/dL
• Female: 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dL
• (Note: gm/dL = grams per deciliter)
Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction.
Conditions that may lead to anemia include
• Heavy periods
• Pregnancy
• Ulcers
• Colon polyps or colon cancer
• Inherited disorders
• A diet that does not have enough iron, folic acid or vitamin B12
• Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, or cancer
• Aplastic anemia, a condition that can be inherited or acquired
Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. You may be short of breath or have a headache.