There are several types of anemia, each with its own cause. Your body isn't getting enough iron, is losing iron or isn't absorbing iron normally. Red blood cells don't mature normally and have a reduced capacity to carry oxygen. Hemolytic anemia, including sickle cell disease. Red blood cells are destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them.
Anemia is the most common blood disorder.
It affects about 4 million Americans. In people younger than age 65, about six times as many women as men have anemia. However, this gender gap narrows to less than 2 to 1 in people older than age 65. Although common, anemia can be a complex problem to diagnose and treat because of its many causes. If left untreated, the disorder may lead to serious illness.