Low Hemoglobin Levels

High Hemoglobin Levels

Dehydration, smoking, living at high altitudes, or having a medical condition that affects the production of red blood cells are all potential causes of high haemoglobin levels, also known as polycythemia. Fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath are some of the possible symptoms associated with having high haemoglobin levels.

A slightly low hemoglobin level isn’t necessarily a concern — some people have naturally low hemoglobin counts without any underlying cause. However, significantly low hemoglobin levels can lead to serious health issues, including heart problems and death.

Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin

Here are the symptoms of low hemoglobin levels explained in one simple line each:

Fatigue and weakness: Your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, causing extreme tiredness.
Shortness of breath: Low oxygen levels make breathing feel harder than usual.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Reduced oxygen flow to the brain causes imbalance.
Pale skin: The skin loses color because of lower red blood cell count.
Headaches: The brain overworks to get oxygen, leading to frequent headaches.
Cold hands and feet: Poor blood circulation makes extremities feel cold.
Irregular heartbeat: The heart beats faster to compensate for low oxygen.
Chest pain: Extra strain on the heart can lead to chest discomfort.
Cognitive problems: Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly due to low oxygen.

This list clearly highlights the symptoms of low hemoglobin levels in easy, one-line explanations.

Causes of Low Hemoglobin

If your hemoglobin level is below the normal range, you are said to have a low hemoglobin level. A hemoglobin level that is only marginally below normal is probably nothing to worry about. An extremely low hemoglobin count, which almost always results in a condition known as anemia, can, on the other hand, have a negative impact on a person’s overall health. There could be a number of factors contributing to your low hemoglobin levels. The following are some of the more prevalent causes of low hemoglobin:

Poor diet – Your diet does not provide you with sufficient amounts of necessary nutrients like iron, folate, and a number of different B vitamins. Iron deficiency anemia can develop if your diet does not contain sufficient amounts of iron.
Blood loss – Low hemoglobin can result from significant blood loss from trauma or illness. Women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding may also have low hemoglobin levels.
Major physiological changes – Your body has recently gone through significant changes, such as pregnancy or a growth spurt, which is common in children and teenagers.
Intestinal bleeding – Your GI tract may bleed if you use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) excessively, such as ibuprofen.
Abnormal hemoglobin structure – People who have hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia have abnormally shaped red blood cells and a lower red blood cell count than healthy people. This leads to low levels of hemoglobin, which is caused by the destruction of a large number of defective red blood cells that are not adequately replaced.
Iron Deficiency – This might be brought on by a diet lacking in iron or a problem with iron absorption.
Chronic Illness – The risk of having low hemoglobin levels increases with the presence of certain chronic illnesses, such as cancer or kidney disease.
Medications – Certain medications, such as anticoagulants or certain chemotherapy drugs, have the potential to reduce the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.

Normal Hemoglobin Ranges

A qualified healthcare professional checks hemoglobin levels through a blood test, measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Low hemoglobin is diagnosed when values fall below the normal ranges.

Group	Normal (g/dL)	Low (g/dL)
Male	13.5 to 18	Lower than 13.5
Female	12 to 15	Lower than 12
Children	11 to 16	Lower than 11

What Affects Red Blood Cell Production?

Iron Levels: Low iron reduces the body’s ability to make healthy red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 & Folate: Deficiency in these nutrients slows RBC formation.
Chronic Diseases: Conditions like kidney disease or autoimmune disorders can decrease RBC production.
Bone Marrow Health: Diseases such as leukemia or aplastic anemia directly affect how many RBCs the bone marrow can produce.
Hormones: Low levels of erythropoietin (a hormone made by the kidneys) reduce RBC production.
Medications: Certain drugs, including chemotherapy, can suppress bone marrow activity.
Blood Loss: Heavy menstrual bleeding, injuries, or internal bleeding can lower RBC count and trigger increased production.
Genetic Conditions: Disorders like thalassemia or sickle cell disease impact the quality and production of red blood cells.

Low Hemoglobin and Pregnancy

When hemoglobin level low in pregnancy occurs, it means the body isn’t producing enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to both mother and baby, which can lead to tiredness and other health concerns. This condition is common during pregnancy because the body needs more iron and nutrients to support increased blood volume. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. If hemoglobin level low in pregnancy is not managed properly, it may increase the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, or postpartum complications. A balanced diet rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, along with supplements prescribed by a healthcare provider, can help maintain healthy hemoglobin levels for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

When to see a doctor for Low Hemoglobin

Any of the above symptoms of low hemoglobin should prompt a trip to the doctor. It is important to get a professional diagnosis of anemia because it may be a symptom of something more serious.A blood test to determine your hemoglobin levels is probably going to be ordered by your physician. In the event that your hemoglobin levels are low, they may order additional tests to determine the root of the problem. Your physician will develop a treatment strategy for your anemia once the underlying cause has been identified.

The good news is that there are efficient treatments for low hemoglobin levels. What’s triggering the low levels will determine the most effective treatment. By identifying and treating the causes, a doctor can bring hemoglobin levels back to normal. Depending on the cause, there are a variety of ways to increase hemoglobin levels, including changing one’s diet, undergoing surgery, or receiving a blood transfusion. Consult with a doctor before taking any action based on the information shared above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low hemoglobin is mainly caused by iron deficiency, blood loss, poor diet, chronic diseases, or bone marrow disorders. Conditions like ulcers, menstruation, or kidney disease can also lower red blood cell production. Inadequate vitamin B12 and folate intake further contribute to low hemoglobin levels.

The seven major types include iron-deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency), aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and anemia of chronic disease. Each type results from different causes—nutrient deficiency, blood loss, genetic disorders, or underlying health conditions affecting red blood cell production.

Early signs include fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. Brittle nails, cold hands and feet, and cravings for non-food items like ice (pica) may appear. Gradual symptoms worsen if untreated, leading to anemia and reduced oxygen supply to body tissues.

Iron deficiency doesn’t directly cause weight gain, but fatigue from low energy levels may reduce physical activity, slowing metabolism. Hormonal imbalance and poor thyroid function linked to anemia can indirectly influence weight. Restoring iron levels improves energy, helping maintain healthy metabolism and body weight.

Low iron leads to anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and poor concentration. Severe deficiency affects heart and brain function, increases infection risk, and can cause pregnancy complications. In children, it impairs growth and cognitive development, making early diagnosis and iron supplementation essential for long-term health.