Skip to main content
Dr. Golian logo

Patient Education

Anemia

A thoughtful, root-cause approach to anemia — so you understand why you're tired and feel like yourself again.

Anemia means your blood doesn't carry enough oxygen, usually because you have too few healthy red blood cells or too little hemoglobin. It's common, very treatable, and often a clue to something else going on — which is why Dr. Golian pairs a careful complete blood count with a search for the underlying cause rather than simply treating the number.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

  • Persistent fatigue or low energy that rest doesn't fix
  • Shortness of breath or a racing heart with mild exertion
  • Pale skin, lips, or inner eyelids
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or headaches
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Brittle nails or unusual cravings for ice or non-food items

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Iron deficiency from low dietary intake or poor absorption
  • Blood loss — heavy menstrual periods or gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
  • Chronic conditions such as kidney disease or inflammatory illness
  • Thyroid disorders, including untreated hypothyroidism
  • Family history or inherited conditions affecting red blood cells

How Dr. Golian Manages Anemia

Diagnosis starts with the right labs — a CBC plus targeted studies like iron panels, B12, folate, and thyroid function testing when warranted — interpreted in the context of your full history. As your Los Angeles direct primary care physician, Dr. Golian takes the time to connect the dots between your symptoms and the cause.

Treatment is tailored to that cause. Iron-deficiency anemia often responds well to iron supplementation and dietary changes, while a B12 or folate gap may call for targeted vitamin supplementation. When anemia points to bleeding, a blood disorder, or another specialist concern, she arranges coordinated care including specialists at Cedars-Sinai.

Living Well With Anemia

Most patients feel noticeably better within weeks once the right treatment begins — but the goal is lasting correction, not a quick fix. Dr. Golian rechecks your counts to confirm they've recovered and revisits the cause so anemia doesn't quietly return.

Because fatigue has many sources, she'll also consider overlapping factors like hypothyroidism or vitamin D deficiency, so you walk away with a clear, complete picture of your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How do I know if my fatigue is from anemia or something else?
The only way to know for sure is a blood test. A complete blood count, often paired with iron, B12, and thyroid studies, can tell whether anemia is the cause — and Dr. Golian frequently checks for overlapping issues like thyroid disorders or vitamin D deficiency in the same visit.
2What's the most common cause of anemia?
Iron deficiency is the most common cause, often from low dietary iron, poor absorption, or blood loss such as heavy menstrual periods. Identifying the source matters, because treating the iron alone without addressing why it's low can let the anemia come back.
3How long does it take to feel better after starting treatment?
Many patients notice more energy within a few weeks of starting the right treatment, though it can take several months to fully rebuild your iron stores and blood counts. Dr. Golian rechecks your labs to confirm you've truly recovered.
4Do I need to see a specialist for anemia?
Most anemia is managed effectively in primary care. If your results suggest a bleeding source, a blood disorder, or an unusual pattern, Dr. Golian coordinates referral to the appropriate specialist, including subspecialists at Cedars-Sinai, and stays involved in your care.
5Can diet alone fix my anemia?
Diet helps, especially for mild iron deficiency, but it often isn't enough on its own once anemia has developed. Dr. Golian will advise whether iron-rich foods, supplements, or further evaluation is the right next step for you.

Explore

Related Conditions

Get to the Bottom of Your Anemia

Let's find out why you're tired and build a clear plan to help you feel like yourself again.

Schedule a Consultation

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.