Low Hemoglobin Causes, Symptoms and More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Hemoglobin Test.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemoglobin-test/about/pac-20385075.
- 2. 'Low Hemoglobin Count.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-hemoglobin/basics/definition/sym-20050760.
- 3. 'Iron Deficiency Anemia.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034.
- 4. 'Vitamin Deficiency Anemia.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025.
- 5. 'Hemolysis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002372.htm.
- 6. 'Low Hemoglobin: Causes & Symptoms.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17705-low-hemoglobin.
- 7. 'Low Red Blood Cell Counts (Anemia).' American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html.
- 8. 'Iron-Deficiency Anemia.' National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.
- 9. 'Iron-Deficiency Anemia.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irondeficiency-anemia.
- 10. 'Anemia.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351366.
- 11. 'Anemia.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360.
Responsible for the red color of blood, hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body and brings carbon dioxide from those areas back to the lungs. Men usually have 13.5 to 17.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood, and women normally have 12.0 to 15.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter.
A low hemoglobin level indicates anemia. This condition has a variety of causes and presents with a host of symptoms, although hemoglobin levels that are slightly below normal may not cause many symptoms.1‘Hemoglobin Test.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemoglobin-test/about/pac-20385075.,2‘Low Hemoglobin Count.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-hemoglobin/basics/definition/sym-20050760.
1. Low Hemoglobin Levels Due to Low Red Blood Cell Production
When the body produces too few red blood cells, it's often due to the presence of a disease or condition. Cancer, chronic kidney disease, multiple myeloma, leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis are some diseases in which the body produces fewer red blood cells than normal. Hypothyroidism and lead poisoning may also cause low red blood cell production.
A diet deficient in nutrients, such as iron, folate, vitamin B-12 or vitamin C, may result in low red blood cell production in the body as well. Certain medications may impede red blood cell production, including chemotherapy drugs and the antiretroviral drugs used against HIV infection.2‘Low Hemoglobin Count.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-hemoglobin/basics/definition/sym-20050760.,3‘Iron Deficiency Anemia.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034.,4‘Vitamin Deficiency Anemia.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025.
2. Low Hemoglobin Levels Due to High Levels of Red Blood Cell Destruction
The normal lifespan of red blood cells is 110 to 120 days. After that, they break down, the spleen removes them from the circulatory system and new red blood cells replace them.5‘Hemolysis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002372.htm. In some cases, the body destroys red blood cells more quickly than it produces them. This can occur if the spleen is enlarged.
Inherited blood disorders may also cause the destruction of too many red blood cells in the body. These disorders include thalassemia, sickle cell anemia and porphyria.2‘Low Hemoglobin Count.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-hemoglobin/basics/definition/sym-20050760.
3. Low Hemoglobin Levels Due to Blood Loss
Blood loss is another possible cause of low hemoglobin levels. Women may experience marginally low levels through normal menstrual bleeding, but heavy menstrual bleeding may have a more significant impact on hemoglobin levels.
Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract may cause a drop in hemoglobin levels. Ulcers, hemorrhoids and cancer are examples of conditions that may cause bleeding that leads to lowered levels of hemoglobin. Frequent blood donation may also deplete the body's supply of hemoglobin.2‘Low Hemoglobin Count.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-hemoglobin/basics/definition/sym-20050760.
4. Who's at Risk for Low Hemoglobin Levels?
While anyone may develop a condition that results in low hemoglobin levels, women are at a higher risk of low hemoglobin levels due to blood loss during menstruation and childbirth. People with low-iron diets and vegan diets and those with difficulty absorbing iron are also more likely to have low hemoglobin levels.
Those with kidney failure are prone to lower-than-normal hemoglobin levels since their bodies have difficulty creating red blood cells. People taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, heparin and warfarin, are also at risk.6‘Low Hemoglobin: Causes & Symptoms.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17705-low-hemoglobin.
5. Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin Levels
Low hemoglobin levels may lead to the blood disorder anemia. Symptoms often begin gradually and worsen as hemoglobin levels decrease.
Fatigue is the most common symptom of anemia, but a person with anemia may also feel cold and weak. Their skin, nail beds, mouth and tongue may be pale, and they may experience breathing difficulties, dizziness and headaches. Other symptoms may include fast or irregular heartbeats, chest pain, swollen hands or feet, and rapid breathing.6‘Low Hemoglobin: Causes & Symptoms.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17705-low-hemoglobin.,7‘Low Red Blood Cell Counts (Anemia).’ American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html.,8‘Iron-Deficiency Anemia.’ National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.
6. How Are Low Hemoglobin Levels Diagnosed?
A health care provider reviews a person's medical history and asks about their symptoms. They draw blood that undergoes laboratory testing to determine the amounts of hemoglobin and iron in the blood.
Under some circumstances, they may conduct a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy to check the size, number and maturity of blood cells and to detect any abnormal cells. To check for bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, the provider may order an endoscopy.9‘Iron-Deficiency Anemia.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irondeficiency-anemia.
7. Treatment for Low Hemoglobin Levels
Treatment for low hemoglobin levels depends on the cause. If the issue is related to low iron or vitamin levels, dietary changes and taking supplements may be recommended. When the body is unable to absorb adequate levels of vitamin B-12, injections of this vitamin may be required.
Underlying diseases or conditions causing low hemoglobin levels require various treatments. These may include transfusions, medications, chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. Hormone injections or removal of the spleen may be necessary under some circumstances.10‘Anemia.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351366.
8.Complications of Low Hemoglobin Levels
If a low hemoglobin level remains untreated, overwhelming fatigue may occur, preventing the person from completing daily activities. Pregnant women with low hemoglobin levels due to folate deficiency may experience complications, including premature birth.
Since the heart must compensate for low oxygen levels in the bloodstream by pumping more blood, it may become enlarged or heart failure may occur. In cases where low hemoglobin levels are due to blood loss, severe anemia may develop and death may occur.11‘Anemia.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360.
9. Preventing Low Hemoglobin Levels
Although preventing low hemoglobin levels isn't always possible, consuming a healthy diet that includes sufficient amounts of essential vitamins and minerals may help prevent anemia due to low levels of iron or specific vitamins.11‘Anemia.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360.
When symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath and dizziness develop, it's best to seek evaluation and advice from a medical professional right away. Early identification and treatment of low hemoglobin levels increases the likelihood of an improved outcome and reduces the risk of complications.
10. Cancer's Effect on Hemoglobin Levels
People with cancer may have low hemoglobin levels due to a variety of reasons. The cancer itself may interfere with red blood cells and their production. Other times, cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, may cause low hemoglobin. Finally, malnutrition, either from lack of appetite or issues with the digestive system may play a role.
Either way, doctors and oncologists have many ways to help manage hemoglobin levels. Consult with your physician or support staff right away if you notice any signs of anemia.
