Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It MeansSymptomsCausesTestingTreatmentWhen to See a ProviderPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Means
Symptoms
Causes
Testing
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Prevention
Low hemoglobin means you don’t have enough of the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. When you have low hemoglobin, your cells and tissues don’t receive as much oxygen as they need, which can make you feel weak and tired.
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What Low Hemoglobin Means
Hemoglobinis a protein in your red blood cells. It transports oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and removes carbon dioxide from your lungs. When your hemoglobin levels are too low, it means your blood can’t complete these tasks as efficiently.
When is hemogrlobin considered too low?Hemoglobin is measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Normal hemoglobin levels vary depending on age and sex. Generally speaking, hemoglobin levels are considered normal when they fall into the following ranges:Adult males: 13.5 to 17.5 g/dLAdult females: 12.0 to 15.5 g/dLYour hemoglobin is considered moderately low if it is between 8 and 10 g/dL. Hemoglobin levels of 6.5 to 7.9 g/dL are considered concerning, and anything less than 6.5 g/dL may be life threatening.
When is hemogrlobin considered too low?
Hemoglobin is measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Normal hemoglobin levels vary depending on age and sex. Generally speaking, hemoglobin levels are considered normal when they fall into the following ranges:Adult males: 13.5 to 17.5 g/dLAdult females: 12.0 to 15.5 g/dLYour hemoglobin is considered moderately low if it is between 8 and 10 g/dL. Hemoglobin levels of 6.5 to 7.9 g/dL are considered concerning, and anything less than 6.5 g/dL may be life threatening.
Hemoglobin is measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Normal hemoglobin levels vary depending on age and sex. Generally speaking, hemoglobin levels are considered normal when they fall into the following ranges:
Your hemoglobin is considered moderately low if it is between 8 and 10 g/dL. Hemoglobin levels of 6.5 to 7.9 g/dL are considered concerning, and anything less than 6.5 g/dL may be life threatening.
What Happens When Hemoglobin Is Too Low?
When your hemoglobin is too low, you may experience a range of symptoms related to the lower levels of oxygen in your body. Low hemoglobin symptoms may include:
Risk Factors for Low HemoglobinSome people are at greater risk for low hemoglobin. They include:Infants ages 6–12 monthsChildren with lead in their blood (which blocks the body’s ability to make hemoglobin)TeensAdults aged 65 and olderPeople with cancer,celiac disease,orchronic kidney diseasePeople with a genetic blood disorderPregnant peoplePeople with heavy bleeding during their periodsVegetariansor vegans
Risk Factors for Low Hemoglobin
Some people are at greater risk for low hemoglobin. They include:Infants ages 6–12 monthsChildren with lead in their blood (which blocks the body’s ability to make hemoglobin)TeensAdults aged 65 and olderPeople with cancer,celiac disease,orchronic kidney diseasePeople with a genetic blood disorderPregnant peoplePeople with heavy bleeding during their periodsVegetariansor vegans
Some people are at greater risk for low hemoglobin. They include:
What Causes Low Hemoglobin?
There are a few possiblecauses of low hemoglobin.
Bleeding Problems
Some examples of bleeding problems that can lead to low hemoglobin include:
Problems with Red Blood Cell Production
Your body produces red and white blood cells in your bone marrow. But your body may not make enough red blood cells if you have conditions that affect your bone marrow’s ability to produce or support enough red blood cells. Examples include:
Cancers that can cause low hemoglobin production include:
Problems with Red Blood Cell Lifespan
Sometimes your body produces enough red blood cells, but the cells are dying faster than your body can replace them. Conditions where this happens include:
Low Nutrient Intake
You may have low hemoglobin if:
Other Causes
Other reasons you might have lowhemoglobin levelsinclude:
Low Hemoglobin Levels in Infants
Newborns can have temporaryanemiaat six to nine weeks if they haven’t made enough new red blood cells and have used up the ones they were born with. This anemia usually resolves on its own.
There Are Different Types of AnemiaIron deficiency anemia is just one type of anemia.Pernicious anemia,aplastic anemia, andhemolytic anemiaare some of the other types.
There Are Different Types of Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is just one type of anemia.Pernicious anemia,aplastic anemia, andhemolytic anemiaare some of the other types.
How Are Hemoglobin Levels Tested?
To help diagnose and then treat low hemoglobin, your healthcare provider will order a blood test called acomplete blood count(CBC). This test will measure your hemoglobin level and red blood cells. Your provider will likely also perform a physical exam and other diagnostic tests.
Low Hemoglobin Treatment
Treatment of low hemoglobin will depend on your age, the severity of your low hemoglobin, and the cause. In particular,treatment for iron deficiency anemiamay include:
Consuming more foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, can improve your iron absorption.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Slightly low hemoglobin levels aren’t necessarily a cause for concern. Some people have naturally lower hemoglobin than others.
If your hemoglobin levels are very low or you have symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, unusually pale skin, or dizziness and lightheadedness, talk to your healthcare provider.
Preventing Low Hemoglobin Levels
It isn’t always possible to prevent low hemoglobin. When you have preventable iron deficiency anemia, the most effective strategies include:
Summary
There are several causes of low hemoglobin related to problems with bleeding, red blood cell production, nutrient intake and absorption, and others. Symptoms of low hemoglobin include headaches, fatigue, fast heartbeat, and pale skin.
Treatments for low hemoglobin include iron supplements, iron therapy,blood transfusion, surgery, and treating the underlying condition causing low hemoglobin levels. Adding more iron-rich foods to your diet is also important if you have iron deficiency anemia.
If you have low hemoglobin, work with your healthcare provider to determine what is causing it and find a treatment plan to help you manage it.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Red Cross.Hematocrit and hemoglobin.Tartarone A, Lerose R, Tartarone M.Erithropoiesis stimulating agents in the treatment of chemotherapy induced anemia: what do guidelines say?AME Med J. 2023;8. doi:10.21037/amj-23-79National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Anemia in in chronic kidney disease.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.In brief: Your guide to anemia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Iron-deficiency anemia.National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes treatment (PDQ®)–Patient version.National Institutes of Health.Vitamin B12-deficiency anemia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Folate-deficiency anemia.UpToDate.Approach to the child with anemia.MedlinePlus.Rh incompatibility.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breastfeeding special circumstances—iron.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Iron-deficiency anemia.Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Iron-deficiency anemia.American Society of Hematology.Iron-deficiency anemia.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Red Cross.Hematocrit and hemoglobin.Tartarone A, Lerose R, Tartarone M.Erithropoiesis stimulating agents in the treatment of chemotherapy induced anemia: what do guidelines say?AME Med J. 2023;8. doi:10.21037/amj-23-79National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Anemia in in chronic kidney disease.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.In brief: Your guide to anemia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Iron-deficiency anemia.National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes treatment (PDQ®)–Patient version.National Institutes of Health.Vitamin B12-deficiency anemia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Folate-deficiency anemia.UpToDate.Approach to the child with anemia.MedlinePlus.Rh incompatibility.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breastfeeding special circumstances—iron.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Iron-deficiency anemia.Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Iron-deficiency anemia.American Society of Hematology.Iron-deficiency anemia.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Red Cross.Hematocrit and hemoglobin.Tartarone A, Lerose R, Tartarone M.Erithropoiesis stimulating agents in the treatment of chemotherapy induced anemia: what do guidelines say?AME Med J. 2023;8. doi:10.21037/amj-23-79National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Anemia in in chronic kidney disease.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.In brief: Your guide to anemia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Iron-deficiency anemia.National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes treatment (PDQ®)–Patient version.National Institutes of Health.Vitamin B12-deficiency anemia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Folate-deficiency anemia.UpToDate.Approach to the child with anemia.MedlinePlus.Rh incompatibility.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breastfeeding special circumstances—iron.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Iron-deficiency anemia.Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Iron-deficiency anemia.American Society of Hematology.Iron-deficiency anemia.
American Red Cross.Hematocrit and hemoglobin.
Tartarone A, Lerose R, Tartarone M.Erithropoiesis stimulating agents in the treatment of chemotherapy induced anemia: what do guidelines say?AME Med J. 2023;8. doi:10.21037/amj-23-79
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Anemia in in chronic kidney disease.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.In brief: Your guide to anemia.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Iron-deficiency anemia.
National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes treatment (PDQ®)–Patient version.
National Institutes of Health.Vitamin B12-deficiency anemia.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Folate-deficiency anemia.
UpToDate.Approach to the child with anemia.
MedlinePlus.Rh incompatibility.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breastfeeding special circumstances—iron.
Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Iron-deficiency anemia.
American Society of Hematology.Iron-deficiency anemia.
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