Low Levels of Iron

• Anemia is a low level of iron in the blood.culot sanguin image by Stef Run from Fotolia.com
  
  The five primary causes of anemia are poor diet, a failure to absorb iron, increased need for iron (during pregnancy, for example), chronic diseases which interfere with your body's ability to absorb iron, and blood loss (through accident or menstruation). Women of childbearing age tend to lose about ¼ cup of blood or more at each menstrual cycle, and iron travels through the blood, so some of it is lost during menstruation. Over time, this loss of iron can lead to anemia if a woman is not replenishing her iron stores with proper nutrition and iron supplements.
  
  

High Levels of Iron

• Hemochromatosis is a high level of iron in the blood.blood glass image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  People with HHC absorb extra amounts of iron from their daily diet, and the body can't rid itself of this extra iron. Although the genetic defect that causes hereditary hemochromatosis is present at birth, most people don't experience signs and symptoms until later in life--after age 50 in women. Women are also more likely to have symptoms after menopause, when they no longer lose iron with menstruation and pregnancy.
  
  

Treatment for Anemia

• Pale Skin Can Be a Sign of Anemiagirls soft hands image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  Premenopausal women have a recommended daily amount (RDA) of 15 mg per day for iron, but this number doubles during pregnancy. Treatment includes a vitamin supplement that contains iron in addition to eating iron-rich foods. Vitamin C increases the body's ability to absorb iron, so a vitamin C supplement can be beneficial as well.
  
  Good sources of iron include meat, poultry, fish, egg yolks, enriched rice, legumes, prune juice, dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and peaches, whole grain bread, iron fortified cereals and pasta, and dark-green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and greens.
  
  

Treatment for Hemachromatosis

• According to the Mayo Clinic, you can eat iron-rich foods if you have hemachromatosis, but phlebotomy (removing blood from the body to rid it of iron) will be necessary. The condition can be confirmed and treated with a liver biopsy. Recently, doctors have discovered that genetic defects have been found in many families with a history of HHC. Blood tests can be used to look for these genetic changes and confirm the diagnosis of hemochromatosis as well as determine who may be at high risk of developing the disease in the family.
  
  

Warning

• Iron-rich foods are good for treating anemia, but may complicate hemachromotosis.healthy foods image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Anemia doesn't go away on its own; it must be treated with proper nutrition and supplements. It's a good idea to consult a doctor if you are experiencing frequent menorrhagia, or very heavy periods, or are experiencing any of the other symptoms. If left untreated, anemia can cause heart palpitations and other more serious heart problems, such as heart attacks.
  
  According to the Mayo Clinic, hemachromatosis is a much more serious disease that can lead to death in extreme cases. It's important to see a doctor if you have missed a few periods, have irregular cycles, spotting without periods or if you are experiencing any other symptoms.