Anemia, Bone, and Beyond: The Hidden Faces of CKD in Women

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Streamed on 03 Oct, 2025, 07:30 PM

ABOUT THIS SESSION

Anemia, bone health, and the often-overlooked complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in women form a complex triad that extends far beyond renal function. Women with CKD face unique challenges, as hormonal influences and nutritional factors interplay with disease progression. The impact of anemia and mineral bone disorders reaches into daily life, fertility, and long-term outcomes. In this session, Dr. Anita Kant and Dr. Ranjeet Dalvi will explore these hidden faces of CKD in women, emphasizing early recognition and holistic care.

Q&A

Women are at higher risk due to factors like autoimmune disorders for example, lupus, frequent urinary infections, pregnancy-related complications, and hormonal changes after menopause. Delays in seeking medical care also contribute to later diagnosis and treatment.

Early signs can include persistent fatigue, swelling of the face or legs, loss of appetite, irregular periods, fertility issues, anemia, and weaker bones. These symptoms are often overlooked or attributed to normal aging or lifestyle.

Anemia in CKD occurs because damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin, the hormone that triggers red blood cell production. Iron deficiency, inflammation, and poor nutrient absorption can make anemia worse.

Women with anemia may experience tiredness, dizziness, pale skin, irritability, trouble focusing, and low stamina. Severe anemia can also lead to shortness of breath, irregular periods, and pregnancy complications such as preterm birth.

Thinking fatigue is normal for women-this is not true. Believing anemia is always caused by iron deficiency-it can also involve other nutrients and hormones. Assuming mild anemia is harmless-even mild cases raise the risk of heart problems. Believing menstrual irregularities are unrelated to kidneys, CKD can disrupt hormone balance.

CKD can upset the balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Low vitamin D leads to poor calcium absorption, triggering secondary hyperparathyroidism, bone pain, and a higher risk of fractures, especially after menopause.

Monitor calcium and vitamin D levels, limit phosphate-rich processed foods, stay physically active, and have regular bone density DEXA scans. Any osteoporosis medication should be taken only under medical supervision.

Management includes iron supplements, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents ESAs, vitamin D therapy, phosphate binders, and a balanced diet. A team approach with nephrologists, gynecologists, and dietitians ensures the best outcomes.

Drink enough water, control blood pressure and blood sugar, eat a diet low in salt and processed foods, avoid smoking and alcohol, exercise regularly, and have routine checkups for kidney function and hemoglobin levels.

CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly over several months. Its diagnosed when kidney filtration drops below 60 ml/min or when there are signs of kidney damage, such as protein in the urine or abnormal kidney structure.

FACULTY

Dr. Ranjeetsingh Dalvi

Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician, Pune

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