Why hgb low

This can occur if:. Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal include:.

Diseases and conditions that cause your body to destroy red blood cells faster than they can be made include:. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you. If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. High Hgb may result from your body needing to store more Hgb in red blood cells due to your environment, a condition that affects your heart or lung function, or lifestyle choices. The earlier you notice the symptoms of abnormal Hgb levels and have the cause diagnosed, the more likely you are to have successful treatment.

Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to the rest of your body. It also transports carbon dioxide out of your cells and…. If you're not getting enough iron, you may develop iron-deficiency anemia. Here are 10 signs and symptoms that you're deficient in iron. Iron is essential for good health, but many people are deficient in it. The foods you eat can influence how much iron your body ends up absorbing. Men have a unique set of reasons why they may experience fatigue for more than a few weeks at a time.

Cold agglutinin disease CAD is a rare type of anemia. There are two types, primary and secondary. Learn about the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and…. MCHC is the average concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Find out how a low MCHC level is diagnosed and what conditions it may point…. Sideroblastic anemia is a group of blood disorders.

In all cases, the bone marrow has difficulty producing normal, healthy red blood cells. Normal hemoglobin levels can vary based on several factors, including age and sex. The presence of Heinz bodies on a blood smear test indicates oxidative damage to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Conditions associated with Heinz…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Why do I need the Hgb test? In the United States, anemia is diagnosed if a blood test finds less than In children, normal levels vary according to age.

High hemoglobin levels could be indicative of the rare blood disease, polycythemia. It causes the body to make too many red blood cells, causing the blood to be thicker than usual. This can lead to clots, heart attacks , and strokes. It is a serious lifelong condition that can be fatal if it is not treated. High hemoglobin can also be caused by dehydration , smoking, or living at high altitudes, or it can be linked to other conditions, such as lung or heart disease.

Low hemoglobin levels usually indicate that a person has anemia. There are several kinds of anemia:. Newborns have a temporary anemia when they are weeks old. This occurs when they run out of the red blood cells they are born with but their bodies have not made new red blood cells. This condition will not affect the baby adversely unless they are sick for some other reason.

Babies can also have anemia from breaking down cells too quickly, which results in yellowing skin, a condition known as jaundice. This often occurs if the mother and baby have incompatible blood types. People who do vigorous exercise are also at greater risk, as exertion can lead to a breakdown of red blood cells in the bloodstream. Women who are menstruating or pregnant may also be at increased risk of developing anemia. People who have chronic health conditions, including autoimmune conditions, liver disease, thyroid disease and inflammatory bowel disease, may have lower hemoglobin levels, which increases the chances of developing anemia.

Hemoglobin levels increase in situations where a person needs more oxygen in their body. Consequently, someone who has lung or kidney disease, who smokes, or is dehydrated, may be at risk of increased hemoglobin levels. While many types of anemia cannot be prevented, eating iron-rich foods, such as beef, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts can prevent anemias caused by iron or vitamin deficiencies.

Meat and dairy are good sources of vitamin B12, and folic acid is found in citrus juices, legumes, and fortified cereals. The American Society of Hematology recommend taking a daily multivitamin to help prevent nutritional anemias. Older adults, however, should not take iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia unless instructed to do so by their doctor. Anemia treatment varies, depending on the cause of the condition.