Hemoglobin Checker
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The Biology of Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the primary component of red blood cells, functioning as the transporter of oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. Typical ranges vary by biological sex due to hormonal differences and menstrual blood loss. Pregnant women have lower reference ranges due to increased blood volume (hemodilution).
Potential Causes of High and Low Levels
Low hemoglobin is typically caused by iron deficiency, chronic blood loss, vitamin deficiencies (B12 or folate), or kidney disease. Elevated levels are often caused by dehydration, cigarette smoking, living at high altitudes, or chronic lung diseases like COPD.
Understanding Your Results
Always discuss your laboratory results with your doctor. A diagnostic workup for low hemoglobin may include checking iron storage markers (ferritin), vitamin levels, and reticulocyte counts to identify the root cause.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
- Severe fatigue, chest pain, rapid heart rate, or breathing difficulty accompanying an abnormally low hemoglobin level.
Frequently Asked Questions
For non-pregnant adult women, typical values range between 12.0 and 15.5 g/dL. Levels below 12.0 g/dL indicate anemia.
Anemia symptoms include fatigue, cold hands and feet, pale skin, shortness of breath, headache, and lightheadedness.
