What is the first treatment tried for anaemia?

Anaemia means the blood has reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, commonly because haemoglobin or red blood cells are low. Causes include iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, blood loss, inflammation, inherited conditions, or problems affecting blood-cell production. The right treatment differs between them.

A [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) can assess the blood count and may include checks of iron stores, vitamin levels, kidney function, or other markers. Iron is helpful when iron deficiency is confirmed or strongly suspected, but taking it without advice can delay investigation of blood loss and cause side effects.

Attend the recommended tests and tell the clinician about heavy periods, pregnancy, dietary restrictions, digestive symptoms, recent bleeding, long-term illness, and medicines. Take prescribed treatment as directed and report nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, or dark stools if they are difficult to manage.

[Iron Supplementation](/treatments/medical-management/iron-supplementation/) may be advised for iron deficiency, alongside investigating why iron is low. Food changes can support treatment but should not replace evaluation when anaemia has been diagnosed.

Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, a racing heartbeat with weakness, or heavy ongoing bleeding. Arrange prompt assessment for black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, rapidly worsening tiredness, or new neurological symptoms. Anaemia in pregnancy also deserves timely clinical review.

What type of anaemia do my results suggest? Do I need iron, vitamins, or another treatment? Could bleeding, diet, or a long-term condition explain it? When should my blood count be checked again?