Anaemia Dr Trisha Macnair Anaemia is a common cause of tiredness and lethargy among women of all ages.

Anaemia is a condition where there's a lack of haemoglobin - the chemical in red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body. There may be a deficiency of red blood cells, or low levels of haemoglobin within the red blood cells.

One of the commonest reasons for anaemia is a shortage of iron. Iron-deficiency anaemia is a common cause of tiredness and lethargy among women of all ages.

Up to 14 per cent of young to middle-aged women in the UK have iron-deficiency anaemia.

Many women aren't aware they have a problem until they're tested or try to donate blood, but there may also be symptoms such as getting tired easily, feeling short of breath, palpitations and looking pale.

If you have heavy periods, you're at particular risk

Women are more at risk of anaemia than men because they lose blood every month during their periods and so constantly need to make more blood. If you have heavy periods, you're at particular risk.

Although your diet should provide all the iron you need to replace the lost blood, many women still don't get enough. Vegetarians and vegans may find it particularly hard to take in enough iron.

Good dietary sources include:

• Meat, poultry and liver (but avoid liver during pregnancy)
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Fresh green vegetables

The tannin in tea can interfere with iron absorption in the gut, so avoid drinking tea with meals. Vitamin C, on the other hand, has the opposite effect, so a glass of orange juice with your steak is a good idea.

Iron supplements are available from pharmacies for those who can't get enough from their diet. There are various types and if you don't get on with one type, try another.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in August 2007.