Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia): 8 Common Causes and When to See a Doctor

Common Causes of Anemia (Low RBC Count)

1. Iron Deficiency: Poor intake, malabsorption, blood loss (menstruation, GI bleeding).
2. Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency: Dietary lack, malabsorption (pernicious anemia), medications.
3. Bone Marrow Disorders: Leukemia, myelodysplasia, aplastic anemia, metastatic cancer.
4. Chronic Diseases: CKD, liver disease, autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, chronic inflammation.
5. Medications: Chemotherapy, certain antibiotics, antiretrovirals.
6. Blood Loss: Heavy periods, ulcers, trauma, surgery.
7. Hemolysis: Autoimmune, genetic (sickle cell, G6PD), transfusion reactions.
8. Pregnancy: Increased iron demand, hemodilution.

See a doctor for CBC and further workup (iron studies, B12/folate, reticulocyte count, etc.) to identify the cause and guide treatment.