Anemia

Occurs when there are too few red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body. In menstruating women the most common cause for anemia is heavy menstrual flow causing iron deficiency. By the time anemia develops the bone marrow no longer has any stores of iron. Iron therapy then needs to be taken daily for a full year to rebuild normal reserves. Anemia from inadequate Vitamin B 12 may occur in vegetarians who are not taking B 12 supplements.