blood disorders
Anemia Due to Excessive Bleeding
Introduction
Anemia due to excessive bleeding results when loss of red blood cells exceeds production of new red blood cells. When blood loss is rapid, blood pressure falls, and people may be dizzy. When blood loss occurs gradually, people may be tired, short of breath, and pale. Stool, urine, and imaging tests may be needed to determine the source of bleeding. The cause of bleeding is corrected, and transfusions and iron supplements are given if needed. The most common cause of Overview of Anemia is Excessive bleeding When blood is lost, the body quickly pulls water from tissues outside the bloodstream in an attempt to keep the blood vessels filled. As a result, the blood is diluted, and the hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in the total amount of blood in the body, or blood volume) is reduced. Eventually, increased production of red blood cells by the bone marrow may correct the anemia. However, over time, bleeding reduces the amount of iron in the body, so that the bone marrow is not able to increase production of new red blood cells to replace those lost. 