The exact comment on the situation can be given only after going through the complete blood count reports as the causes of the anemia are multiple. The treatment of the anemia also depends on the clinical features & symptoms of the patient. It may require blood transfusion if pt is in heart failure. Still considering the possibility of the iron deficiency which is usually common in female the treatment advised by your doctor is correct. There are also oral preparations for the iron but usually compliance of the patient is poor. there are also other ineluctable iron preparations but the preparation prescribed to your mother is more suitable as it requires less doses. It doesn t have significant side effects other than the routine possibilities. The purpose of the treatment solely directed towards the replenishment of iron stores & thereby increase blood formation. Additional supplements of vit B12 & Folic acid would further hasten the recovery.