My hemoglobin level (iron level) has been low for at least the last 5 years...?

Question

i had it taken today and it was 8.6 (normal is 14)- my mom freaked out. (she's a nurse and all that she can think about now is "what if she has cancer")

What are some things that would make my levels be so low??


I am always cold! like now!
I dont eat very healthy
i bruise easily
i am ALWAYS tired....even if i just woke up from a 10 hr. nap

are there any doctors or nurses out there that could help me?

Answer 1

Your low hemoglobin levels could account for your being cold, your easy bruising, and your tiredness. To combat this, consider taking iron supplements and/or eating more LEAN red meat. We women lose blood during menstruation, and that means a loss of hemoglobin as well; you have to do something to replace it, obviously - it's not going to come back by itself.

You might also consider 1000 mg of vitamin C daily to help the problems with bruising; it's an important factor in having strong blood vessel walls.

Answer 2

yes . . . your low hemoglobin level or anemia directly equates to a decrease in the oxygen carrying capacity of your circulatory system. This is the reason why you always tire easily and feels cold. The causes of this remarkable (8.6mg%) could be numerous, it could be lack of dietary iron intake because you are not eating the right foods, it could be due to parasitism (worms - if you live in the tropics), it could be due to an active bleeding inside your gastro intestinal tract (ulcers), or you may have some disease process which speeds up the destruction of your red cells. The possibility of having cancer is also there, cancers of the blood or the blood forming organs (leukemia) may also be considered. My advice is that you with your mom ( a nurse? - then why is she freakin out?!) consult a family physician who can initially examine you and request preliminary tests for your condition. If the results are in, then this doctor can manage your problem or refer you to a specialist for further management. Don't be afraid.. there is enough time to act. God Bless.

Answer 3

the 1st subject i'd recommend is getting an occult blood stool pattern. In human beings over 50 the main straight forward explanation for anemia is a GI bleed. Your dad could have a colonoscopy after the stool attempt. it ought to show a bleeding polyp or lesion interior the colon or gut. the faster you are trying this the extra effective as early detection can save his existence. He additionally must have an ultrasound to determine for aortic aneurism. he's a splash youthful, yet this is a lifesaver as properly. desirable of excellent fortune and get to the physician at as quickly as.

Answer 4

Mine has been 9.0 for a really long time. Your symptoms are the same as mine are. Have the doctors looked for any signs of infection or disease? Do you have diseases that run in your family? Yes, you could have Cancer. Now is the time maybe to get a mamogram & a pap smear. It is also time to get your colon checked for colon cancer. I say all those because as it turns out I had all those cancers just last year & they don't know if its going to spread somewhere else.

Answer 5

All of your symptoms can be attributed to the low Iron levels. You should see your doctor to have lab work checked such as Total Iron Binding Capacity, Ferritin levels. This can help decide if it is inherited or can be fixed with iron pills. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Don't panic, many women suffer like you, me included, and down to the same low level - usually due to blood loss (periods). I take 100mg iron supplements per day, it took about 6 months to get my stores of iron back up, and the pills can make you get indigestion so it's better to start with 50mg morning and night. Best to check with your doc what level is safest for you.

Answer 7

u could be anemic....and my best russian friend has the same problems

Answer 8

If you were just at the doctors, why didn't you ask him.