The multifactorial etiology and approach to iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common but underdiagnosed cause of morbidity in adolescent females. Associated thrombocytopenia is rare, but resolves when the anemia is treated with iron supplementation. Menorrhagia is an important cause in the multifactorial etiology and may be familial. This article presents a case of severe anemia and thrombocytopenia in the presence of iron deficiency due to menorrhagia. A holistic approach to IDA is discussed with an approach to the management thereof in adolescent females.