Internal Medicine
Anemia
Reviewed by the JordanMedHub Medical Editorial Team · 9/13/2026
Quick Answer
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, but it's far from the only one — knowing the type matters because the treatment is completely different depending on the cause.
In this article
Anemia is a condition in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (or enough hemoglobin within them) to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin, among other symptoms.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
The most common type by far, resulting from inadequate iron intake, poor absorption, or blood loss (including heavy menstrual periods). Anemia is also common during pregnancy, since pregnancy increases the body's iron and blood-volume needs, and it's routinely screened for and monitored as part of prenatal care. Our dedicated iron-deficiency anemia guide covers this specific type in depth.
Other Important Types
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia results from inadequate intake or absorption of these vitamins, which are essential for producing healthy red blood cells. Anemia of chronic disease occurs alongside long-term conditions like chronic kidney disease or inflammatory disorders, where the body can't use iron normally even if levels are adequate. Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them, from causes ranging from genetic conditions to autoimmune disorders. Thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies are inherited conditions that affect hemoglobin production; they're relevant in Jordan specifically because the country has a meaningful carrier rate in the population, which is why hemoglobin-disorder screening is a required part of Jordan's premarital screening program — identifying carrier status before marriage helps couples understand the chance of passing a more serious form to their children.
Why the Type Matters
Treatment differs completely by cause: iron-deficiency anemia is treated with iron supplementation and addressing the source of blood loss, B12 deficiency needs B12 (sometimes by injection, depending on the cause), anemia of chronic disease requires managing the underlying condition, and hemolytic anemia needs specific treatment for why the cells are being destroyed. Taking iron supplements for a non-iron-deficiency anemia doesn't help and can even be harmful in some cases — proper testing to identify the specific type is essential before starting treatment.
Seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent medical care for signs of significant blood loss or severe anemia:
- Black or tarry stools, or visible blood in vomit or stool
- Chest pain, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat
- Marked shortness of breath
Diagnosis
A complete blood count (CBC) is the first step, often followed by additional tests (iron studies, B12/folate levels, or others) depending on the initial results and clinical picture.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general education only and does not diagnose or recommend treatment for any individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all anemia caused by iron deficiency?
No — while iron deficiency is the most common cause, anemia can also result from B12/folate deficiency, chronic disease, or red blood cell destruction (hemolytic anemia), each requiring different treatment.
Should you take iron supplements if you're tired all the time?
Not without testing first — taking iron for a non-iron-deficiency anemia doesn't help and can be harmful. A blood test should confirm the specific type before starting treatment.
What is anemia?
Anemia is a condition in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or enough hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, a fast or pounding heartbeat, and pale skin, though mild or slowly developing anemia may cause few or no noticeable symptoms.
Does anemia need lifelong treatment?
Not always. Anemia caused by a temporary factor like blood loss or a nutritional deficiency often resolves once the cause is treated, while anemia from an inherited condition or chronic disease may need ongoing management.
What is the anemia blood test?
The starting test is usually a complete blood count (CBC), which shows hemoglobin level and red blood cell size; further tests like ferritin or B12/folate levels are then chosen based on the suspected cause.
Can anemia cause dizziness?
Yes, dizziness is a common symptom of anemia, resulting from reduced oxygen delivery to the brain and body; it tends to be more noticeable in moderate to severe anemia.
Does anemia cause heart palpitations?
It can. As the heart works harder to compensate for reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, some people with anemia notice a fast or pounding heartbeat, though this doesn't happen in everyone.
When is anemia dangerous?
Severity depends on the hemoglobin level, how quickly it developed, the underlying cause, and accompanying symptoms. Seek urgent care for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, sudden severe weakness, or signs of active bleeding.
Does anemia affect pregnancy?
Pregnancy increases the body's need for iron and other nutrients, making anemia more common during this time; untreated anemia in pregnancy may carry added risks, so routine blood testing and your doctor's guidance matter.
Can anemia be caused by bleeding?
Yes, blood loss — whether from heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, surgery, or injury — is one of the three main mechanisms behind anemia.
Written by JordanMedHub Medical Editorial Team
Updated
Need to speak with a specialist?
Find a doctor near you to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Find a doctor