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

Some of the common symptoms of low hemoglobin levels include:

Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Pale skin
Headaches
Cold hands and feet
Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Cognitive problems

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.

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.