A 40-year-old female presents with fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath

A 40-year-old female presents with fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath

A 40-year-old female presents with fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. Laboratory tests show hemoglobin 8 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 70 fL, and low ferritin levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

B. Folate deficiency anemia

C. Iron deficiency anemia

D. Hemolytic anemia

E. Aplastic anemia

Answer: C

Explanation: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, characterized by microcytic (low MCV), hypochromic red blood cells, low ferritin (storage iron), and clinical features of fatigue, pallor, and dyspnea. It is common in premenopausal women due to menstrual blood loss.