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Menstruation and pregnancy often lead to the misconception that anaemia is primarily a women's issue. However, this isn't true; anaemia can equally affect men. While women are more frequently diagnosed due to factors like menstrual blood loss, there could be many causes of anaemia in men. It's important to understand that anaemia can affect anyone, and both men and women should seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment if they experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or pale skin. If you or someone you know has signs of anaemia, it is highly advised to visit a doctor soon to get the treatment immediately. Continue reading this article to know more about anaemia in men and its causes.
Anaemia in Men
In simple words, anaemia is a blood disorder that some people may inherit by birth while others may develop in their lifetime. This type of blood disorder occurs when the body loses sufficient red blood cells or the functions of the red blood cells are disrupted. As a result, the body looks paler, and the person may experience various symptoms, including weakness and fatigue.
There are many reasons for anaemia or anemia in males, from an underlying disease to deficiencies in the body. Those who have developed it in their lifetime and have mild symptoms may require short-term medication. On the other hand, one of the causes of anaemia in young males could be inherited anaemia since birth. So, instead of relying on self-diagnosis and home remedies, it is best to get a consultation from a doctor nearby. Anaemia can negatively impact the body's functions. If not treated early, it can become a serious condition.
Before you move any further, you must be aware of the causes of anaemia in men and how you can get it treated. Read on to learn more about anaemia or anemia causes in males.
What Causes Anaemia in Men?
Are you wondering what causes anaemia? Well, apart from inherited anaemia, there could be many causes of anaemia in elderly males and also in young ones. Here is the list explaining the causes of anaemia in men:
1. A Chronic Disease
Some people may be suffering from a chronic disease that makes it difficult for the body to utilise iron and create red blood cells. In such a situation, the person may suffer from anaemia. This is one of the causes of iron deficiency anaemia in males. Your doctor may be able to recommend the best treatment.
2. Hemolytic Anaemia
Hemolytic anaemia is an autoimmune disease. The exact cause of this autoimmune disease is yet unknown. In this condition, the red blood cells in the body are attacked by the immune system. Hence, the red blood cells decrease and lead to anaemia.
3. Macrocytic and Megaloblastic Anaemia
Also known as vitamin deficiency anaemia, macrocytic and megaloblastic anaemia result from vitamin deficiency in the body. It can also be triggered by an underlying condition. In this condition, the bone marrow starts to make large red blood cells, which disrupts the overall functioning and capacity of red blood cells.
4. Normocytic Anaemia
One of the causes of anaemia in male adults is normocytic anaemia. It is a condition in which the body has a relatively lower number of red blood cells, and even those red blood cells do not have sufficient hemoglobin. This condition can be caused by many reasons, including an underlying health problem, blood loss in the body, or fast breaking down of the red blood cells. Anaemia and low testosterone are also connected. Low testosterone levels may also lead to mild normocytic anaemia.
5. Pernicious Anaemia
Pernicious anaemia is also a type of vitamin deficiency anaemia. The body requires sufficient vitamin B12 to produce sufficient red blood cells. If a person's intake of vitamin B12 is less than required, such a condition may occur. In pernicious anaemia, the body is not able to properly absorb the vitamin B12 which eventually leads to anaemia. It is also an autoimmune deficiency. So, even when sufficient vitamin B12 is consumed, the body is not able to utilise it.
6. Gastroenteritis Problems
One of the causes of anaemia in older males could be gastrointestinal conditions. These include ulcers, gastritis, haemorrhoids, etc. Such conditions may lead to blood loss and disruption in the functions of red blood cells, eventually leading to anaemia.
7. Iron Deficiency in Men
Iron deficiency is one of the many reasons for anaemia in men. Other causes of iron deficiency in men include insufficient iron intake, improper diet, blood loss, an underlying health condition, and so on. In contrast, low levels of iron intake since birth or birth defects could be causes of iron deficiency anaemia in young males
8. Other Causes of Iron Deficiency in Men
Apart from the aforementioned reasons, a person may suffer from anaemia due to other reasons. One of these is the blood loss due to or after surgery. In such a case, the person may suffer short-term loss of red blood cells. With proper medication and rest, it is possible to revert the situation and become healthy again.
So, these are some of the causes of anaemia or anemia in men. There may be other reasons as well. If you doubt that you are suffering from anaemia, it is best to seek medical advice at the earliest.
>> Also Read: 6 Sources of Iron to Include in Your Diet
Symptoms of Anaemia
How will you know if you require a medical consultation for anaemia? By analysing the symptoms and not ignoring them. If you experience one or more symptoms of anaemia for a long time, delaying a doctor's consultation will only worsen the situation. Some of the common symptoms of anaemia that you must overlook include:
- Fatigue is one of the common symptoms of anaemia. When your body doesn't have proper oxygen flow, it is obvious to feel fatigued all the time.
- Chest pain is also common since the heart is not receiving sufficient oxygen.
- One may experience dizziness every now and then because of low levels of red blood cells.
- Pale skin is one of the very obvious symptoms in people who are suffering from anaemia.
- Heart palpitations are also a sign of anaemia. The person may experience pounding or abnormal beating of the heart.
- Dyspnea or breathing shortness is also a sign of anaemia. This is primarily because of the lack of sufficient oxygen in the body.
- Headache or body ache is yet another common symptom. Since the body is low on red blood cells and oxygen, the body and headache may become severe.
- Anaemia hair loss in men occurs when iron deficiency leads to anaemia in men. So, the person could suffer from serious hair loss problems.
If any of these symptoms persist for longer than usual, you must seek medical attention immediately.
End Words
As discussed above, there could be many causes of anaemia in men. It can occur since birth or one may develop it anytime in their lifetime. While anyone may suffer from anaemia, some men can be at a higher risk of developing it. The common risk factors could be low testosterone levels, low intake of vitamin B12, improper diet, an underlying health condition, excessive blood loss, cancer, etc. If you or anyone around you shows the signs of anaemia, delaying could be a wrong idea. Seek medical attention at the earliest so the situation can be improved as soon as possible.
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