Tell your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1  Acne. 2  Changes in skin color. 3  Hair loss. 4  Headache. Irregular menstrual periods.  Swollen, tender gums.
Yes, anemia may be genetic. Hereditary disorders can shorten the lifespan of the red blood cell and lead to anemia (for example, sickle cell anemia). Hereditary disorders can also cause anemia by impairing the production of hemoglobin (for example, alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia).
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder that, in the U.S. affects mainly African-Americans and Hispanic Americans. Red blood cells become crescent-shaped because of a genetic defect. They break down rapidly, so oxygen does not get to the body's organs, causing anemia.