Glossary term
Anaemia
Also known as: Anemia
Part of: Blood Test Results
- Reading time
- 4 min read
- Last reviewed
- Last reviewed January 1970
- Reading level
- Written in plain English
- Reviewed by
- Reviewed by Medipher Editorial Team
A condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen around your body.
Medipher explains medical wording in plain English — it does not diagnose or replace a clinician. If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Simple visual explanation
What is this?
Anaemia is not a single disease — it's a general term meaning your blood isn't carrying as much oxygen as it should. It's diagnosed when the haemoglobin level in your blood is below the reference range.
Because oxygen delivery is affected, common symptoms include tiredness, breathlessness on exertion, dizziness, pale skin and sometimes a fast heartbeat.
There are many types of anaemia, each with different causes. Finding the underlying reason is more important than the label itself.
Mild anaemia often causes few or no symptoms and is picked up on a routine blood test.
Why is it important?
Anaemia is very common, especially in women of reproductive age, pregnancy, older adults and people with long-standing illness.
It is almost always treatable once the cause is understood. Treatment usually addresses the underlying reason — for example replacing iron, B12 or folate, or managing blood loss.
Even mild anaemia can affect energy, concentration and quality of life, so it's worth investigating rather than ignoring.
Where you'll see it: Diagnosed on a blood test showing low haemoglobin. The cause is usually found with further tests.
How doctors use this result
Clinicians may use this result to:
- Explain symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness or dizziness.
- Guide further blood tests (ferritin, B12, folate, kidney, thyroid).
- Check for hidden causes such as gut bleeding or heavy periods.
- Monitor the response to iron, B12 or folate replacement.
Common reasons it may be low
Iron deficiency
The most common cause; often from diet, heavy periods, pregnancy or gut absorption problems.
B12 or folate deficiency
Both are needed to build healthy red cells; deficiencies can develop from diet, gut conditions or some medications.
Blood loss
Visible loss (periods, injury) or hidden loss (in the gut) both reduce circulating haemoglobin.
Long-standing illness
Kidney disease, thyroid conditions and chronic inflammation can slow red-cell production.
Inherited conditions
Thalassaemia and sickle cell affect the structure or lifespan of red cells.
Pregnancy
Blood volume rises faster than red cells, giving a normal dilution effect.
Does an abnormal result always mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. A number that sits outside the printed range is a prompt for interpretation — not a diagnosis.
- A single result rarely gives the full picture — clinicians interpret it alongside your symptoms.
- Your medical history, medications and other blood tests all shape the meaning of one value.
- Small movements just outside the reference range are common and often not concerning.
- Repeat testing over time is frequently more useful than any single number.
What might happen next?
- Blood tests to find the type: ferritin, B12, folate, kidney and thyroid tests.
- A discussion about symptoms, periods, diet and gut health.
- Treatment of the cause — supplements, dietary advice or, sometimes, referral for more tests.
- Repeat blood tests to check the response to treatment.
One result rarely tells the whole story. Clinicians look at your symptoms, medical history, medications and other tests together — and a single value that sits slightly outside the reference range is often normal for you. Repeat testing over time is frequently more useful than any one number. Medipher helps you understand what a result means in plain English, but it cannot diagnose medical conditions or replace advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
When should I speak to a healthcare professional?
Speak with your GP or another healthcare professional if:
- You've been asked to repeat the test.
- You're experiencing new or worsening symptoms.
- Your clinician has flagged the result as needing follow-up.
- You don't understand your results or feel unsure what to do next.
If you have severe symptoms — chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, heavy bleeding or feel very unwell — seek urgent help. If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately. Medipher is designed to help explain medical information and is not an emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
Related blood tests
Terms clinicians often look at alongside Anaemia.
Related guides
Still unsure what your result means?
This page explains one medical term. If you have a blood test, GP letter or hospital report, Medipher can explain your entire document in plain English.
- what your results mean
- unfamiliar medical terminology
- what your clinician may be monitoring
- useful questions to ask at your next appointment
Sources
General patient information referenced when writing this page.
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This glossary entry is general health information, not medical advice. Medipher explains medical wording in plain English and does not diagnose, provide treatment advice, or replace a GP, doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Always discuss your results with a qualified clinician.