How to Treat Anemia Caused by Blood Loss

Anemia occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in your body are too low. Anemia can be caused by a number of things, including excessive blood loss from injury, surgery, a problem with the blood's clotting ability or heavy menstrual periods.

Instructions

1. Stop the blood loss. If the blood loss is from an injury, seek medical treatment for the injury. If the blood loss is from excessive heavy periods, talk to your gynecologist about regulating your cycle through the use of birth control pills.

2. See your doctor if you are feeling fatigued. Fatigue is a symptom of anemia. Your doctor should run blood tests to check your iron level and your RBC count.

3. Follow your doctor's recommendations to treat the anemia. Depending on your condition, he may suggest dietary changes, vitamin and iron supplements, or prescribe erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

4. Support your body nutritionally. Oral iron supplements, folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation are often helpful with anemia.

5. Eat a balanced, healthy diet that includes abundant fresh fruits and vegetables. Red meats and green leafy vegetables are also important to be sure you are getting enough iron to off set the blood loss.