Low hemoglobin: What causes it?

What causes a low hemoglobin count?

- Terri / Michigan

Answer

Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that gives blood its red color. The normal range of hemoglobin is approximately 14 to 17 grams per deciliter for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women. A low hemoglobin count indicates a low red blood cell count (anemia). Anemia can have many causes, including:

• Vitamin and iron deficiencies
• Acute or chronic bleeding
• Hormone deficiencies, such as thyroid hormone or testosterone
• Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure, cancer and Crohn's disease
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
• Side effect of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

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