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A low hemoglobin count can be associated with a disease or condition that causes your body to have too few red blood cells. This can occur if: Your body produces fewer red blood cells than usual. Your body destroys red blood cells faster than they can be produced. You have blood loss.
When your hemoglobin level is low, it means your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, making you feel very tired and weak. At what level is hemoglobin dangerously low? Normal hemoglobin levels are different for men and women.
A low hemoglobin count is generally defined as less than 13.2 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (132 grams per liter) of blood for men and less than 11.6 grams per deciliter (116 grams per liter) for women. In children, the definition varies with age and sex.
Low hemoglobin levels can be caused by a diet low in iron, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, GI surgery, and heavy menstrual bleeding, among other things. Some of the symptoms related to low hemoglobin include body aches, chest pain, weakness, fast heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
Low levels of the protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen, called hemoglobin, is the main sign of anemia. Some people learn they have low hemoglobin when they donate blood. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make a medical appointment.
High or low hemoglobin levels can be a sign of serious illness. Learn the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for abnormal hemoglobin.
If you have anemia, your hemoglobin level will be low, too. If it is low enough, your tissues or organs may not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia – like fatigue or shortness of breath –...