Which department should you visit for anemia?

In general, patients with anemia can choose to visit the hematology department, gastroenterology department, gynecology department, nephrology department, or endocrinology department based on specific symptoms and potential causes. The details are as follows:

1. Hematology Department

The hematology department is the core specialty for diagnosing and treating anemia. Anemia is often related to abnormalities in the blood system, such as reduced red blood cell production, excessive destruction, or excessive blood loss—all of which fall within the scope of hematology. Doctors will determine the type of anemia—such as iron-deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, or aplastic anemia—through tests like complete blood count (CBC) and bone marrow aspiration, and then develop a targeted treatment plan.

2. Gastroenterology Department

If anemia is accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, black stools, or vomiting blood, it may be caused by chronic blood loss or malabsorption due to digestive tract diseases, such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, stomach cancer, or ulcerative colitis. Gastroenterologists can use endoscopic examinations like gastroscopy and colonoscopy to identify lesions in the digestive tract and treat the underlying disease to improve anemia.

3. Gynecology Department

Female anemia patients who experience menstrual cycle irregularities, heavy menstrual bleeding, or prolonged periods may have blood loss caused by gynecological conditions, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Gynecologists can perform pelvic ultrasound and hormone level testing to identify the cause, then treat the gynecological condition with medication or surgery to reduce blood loss and alleviate anemia.

4. Nephrology Department

The kidneys secrete erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. When kidney diseases such as chronic glomerulonephritis or renal failure occur, erythropoietin production decreases, leading to renal anemia. Nephrologists assess kidney function through tests such as renal function panels and urinalysis, and may treat the anemia by supplementing erythropoietin and iron.

5. Endocrinology Department

Thyroid dysfunction affects the body's metabolism and consequently impacts red blood cell production. Hypothyroidism slows metabolism and reduces red blood cell production, potentially causing anemia. Untreated hyperthyroidism over time may lead to excessive metabolic consumption and nutritional deficiencies, indirectly contributing to anemia. Endocrinologists evaluate thyroid function through blood tests, determine the status of thyroid activity, and treat the thyroid disorder to correct the anemia.

In addition, if anemia is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue with an unclear cause, patients may first visit a general medicine clinic for initial screening, followed by referral to the appropriate specialist based on test results. In daily life, anemia patients should also pay attention to consuming foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, such as lean meat, spinach, animal liver, and fish.