A young adult female patient reports dyspnea, fatigue, and heavy menstrual periods. Her hemoglobin level is 8 g/dL and hematocrit is 28%. What type of anemia are these findings consistent with?

Choice A reason: Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common cause of anemia in menstruating women due to chronic blood loss. Symptoms include fatigue, dyspnea, and low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Choice B reason: Hemolytic anemia involves destruction of red blood cells and typically presents with jaundice, dark urine, and elevated reticulocyte count—not heavy menstrual bleeding. Choice C reason: Folic acid deficiency anemia is more common in malnutrition or pregnancy and presents with macrocytic anemia, not typically associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. Choice D reason: Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder more common in certain populations and presents with pain crises, hemolysis, and vaso-occlusive symptoms—not heavy menstrual bleeding.