What are the causes and effects of hemoglobin test being too LOW?

Question

every time that i have gone to the doctor, they have pricked my finger and they always tell me that my "iron" - hemoglobin - levels are too low.. usually like a 8 or 9.

just recently, i went to an appointment, and the levels were 8.6

my mother was with me and she freaked out. she is a RN and she has worked on the oncology floor for the past 20 years and she is convinced that something MAJOR is wrong with me.

i do not nave insurance...who do i go to for testing to see if i am anemic or if i have something seriously wrong with me like cancer?

if i do not have anything like cancer...what would cause my levels to be so low??

i am ALWAYS tired. i am ALWAYS cold. i bruise easily.

whats wrong with me?

Answer 1

The protein in the RBC's (Red blood cells) is called hemoglobin which carries the much needed oxygen to the body tissues for energy. The normal HGB ( hemoglobin ) level is 15. So a constant ,chronic low hemoglobin level of 8.6 along with the feelings of being tired always would account for the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome . You might even experience periods of SOB( shortness of breath) as less amt of much needed oxygenated blood reaches your lungs. These symptoms along with being cold might indicate the blood condition of Anemia (Low red blood cell count) However, bleeding or bruising easily might also indicate another blood disorder of Leukemia.


The hematocrit is a very convenient way to determine whether the red blood cell count is too high, too low, or normal. The hematocrit is specifically a measure of how much of the blood is made of red cells.


Hemoglobin is a red pigment; it imparts the familiar red color to red blood cells and to blood. Functionally, hemoglobin is the key chemical compound that combines with oxygen from the lungs and carries the oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. Oxygen is essential for cells to produce energy. The blood also transports carbon dioxide, which is the waste product of this energy production process, back to the lungs from which it is exhaled into the air.

What does a low hemoglobin level mean?

People with a low hemoglobin level have anemia. When there is a low hemoglobin level, there is often a low red blood cell count and a low hematocrit, too.


Among many other causes, anemia can result from inherited disorders, nutritional problems (such as an iron or vitamin deficiency), infections, some kinds of cancer, or exposure to a drug or toxin.


This anemia could be treated with iron and Vit B12 injection therapy by your GP ( General Practictioner) or Internist
( Primary Dr). However, if this is not adequately corrected along with adequate diet ( iron rich foods such as spinach, beans, brocolli, prunes,dates, figs,etc) and rest and sleep; I strongly suggest that you go to an Oncologist for proper testing and diagnosis for a second opinion.

Answer 2

Side Effects Of Low Hemoglobin

Answer 3

I take Arthrotec 75 mg. 2xday, which contains Diclofenac. If your Ferratin iron store is low, you are probably anemic. Bleeding from a NSAID can cause anemia. Usually the bleeding from NSAIDS are in the form of bleeding ulcers. The fluid retention could be caused by the Dicoflenic, it can raise BP and cause heart condtions. I have had a low Ferratin iron result before, with a Hemoglobin of 6, this was caused from excessive blood loss. Once the problem was resolved and I took prescription iron tablets for 6 months , my iron stores and hemoglobin came back up. Anemia causes extreme, overwhelming body fatigue, shortness of breath (from lack of oxygen from too few red blood cells), dizziness, pale skin, and strange cravings to eat unusual things such as ice cubes, chalk, etc. This is known as Picca. Get your iron stores and hemoglobin back up, you will feel 100% better.

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Answer 4

I recently experienced very heavy blood loss and had such trouble breathing, was lethargic, and really just wanted to sleep. I took my daughter to the doctor for a bad cold and the doctor was more alarmed by the lack of color in my cheeks than my daughter's runny nose. She ordered some blood work to be done for me, ASAP. Thank goodness! My blood count was 5.....YIKES! So I am trying to build back up, eatting red meat, beans, greens and getting naps. My breathing is coming back..no more heartbeat pounding in my ears at night. Pretty scarey! Time to start paying attention to myself for a change. So grateful for my doctors!

Answer 5

simply speaking its the low 'haem' content on your blood, which i guess is the Latin for Iron. So, you simply need to increase your iron intake. eating iron rich food like whole grains, nuts, oilseeds, deep green leafy vegetables, pomegranate, water melon, garden cress seeds will surely boost up the content of iron. You can also increase the absorption of iron in the body by eating vit. C enriched foods. They rock in absorbing iron. so, have loads of oranges, gooseberries, guava. smoking leads to lowering the effects of vit. C, so you should avoid or lower your fagging.

Answer 6

It is vital that you have tests. It may be cancerous, but it may be anemia, which would simply need a change of diet to increase your iron intake. Whichever, you need to know, so you can take the right action.