Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Common Causes, Root Reasons, and When to Seek Help

Feeling drained of energy, struggling to focus, or finding yourself short of breath after light activity is not always about being overworked. Often, these are signs of low hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. When levels fall, the body cannot get enough oxygen, and this shows up as fatigue, weakness, and other health concerns.

This blog breaks down the common causes of low hemoglobin, the symptoms to look out for, and why timely testing matters.

What is Hemoglobin and Why It Matters

Hemoglobin sits inside red blood cells and delivers oxygen from the lungs to every organ. Without enough hemoglobin, cells cannot perform properly, which leads to constant tiredness, poor concentration, and lowered immunity.

Normal ranges are:

• Men: 13.8–17.2 grams per deciliter
• Women: 12.1–15.1 grams per deciliter
• Children: 11–16 grams per deciliter

👉 Quick check: A simple Complete Blood Count (CBC) test will tell you if your levels are within range.

What Causes Low Hemoglobin Levels

People often wonder, “Why is my hemoglobin low?” The answer lies in a mix of diet, health conditions, and lifestyle. Below are the most frequent causes of low hemoglobin.

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

The body depends on iron, vitamin B12, and folate to make red blood cells. If even one of these is missing, hemoglobin drops.

• Iron deficiency: The most common cause worldwide. Iron is found in foods like spinach, lentils, chicken, and jaggery. When intake is poor or absorption is weak, hemoglobin falls.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: Found in eggs, milk, and fish. Vegetarians often face this deficiency unless they include fortified foods.
• Folate deficiency: Folate supports DNA formation in red cells. Sources include beans, citrus fruits, and leafy vegetables.

Tip: Even with good food choices, problems like celiac disease or acid reflux medicines can reduce absorption.

2. Blood Loss

Losing blood, suddenly or gradually, is one of the reasons for hemoglobin deficiency.

• Women with heavy periods often experience hemoglobin deficiency
• Internal bleeding from stomach ulcers or piles can be silent but harmful
• Blood loss during surgeries or accidents also impacts levels

3. Medical Conditions and Disorders

Chronic illnesses are known as anemia root causes.

• Kidney disease: Damaged kidneys make less erythropoietin, a hormone that helps form red blood cells.
• Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism can reduce hemoglobin production.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with blood cell survival.
• Cancer and chemotherapy: Both reduce the bone marrow’s ability to produce new cells.

4. Genetic Reasons

Inherited conditions may explain the underlying reasons for low hemoglobin:

• Sickle cell disease causes misshapen red blood cells that break down faster
• Thalassemia reduces hemoglobin production.

Though less common, these require specialist care.

5. Lifestyle and Other Factors

• Pregnancy: Increased demand for blood often lowers hemoglobin temporarily.
• Over-exercising: Can break down red blood cells faster than they are made.
• Alcohol and medications: Excessive drinking or long-term drug use can disturb production.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Low hemoglobin may creep in without warning, but some signs are worth noting:

• Constant tiredness and weakness
• Pale or yellow skin
• Dizziness, headaches, or brain fog
• Shortness of breath even during simple tasks
• Cold hands and feet
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

📌 Health note: If two or more of these persist, it is wise to check hemoglobin levels.

When Low Hemoglobin Becomes a Red Flag

Not every dip in hemoglobin is alarming. Pregnancy or recovery from surgery may cause temporary changes. But continuous low levels can signal serious underlying reasons for low hemoglobin.

Seek urgent care if you notice:

• Extreme fatigue affecting daily activities
• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
• Blood in stool or urine
• Sudden weight loss without diet changes

How Doctors Identify the Root Cause

Doctors do not stop at the hemoglobin number. They dig deeper into what causes low hemoglobin levels:

• CBC to measure red cell count and size
• Iron studies to check ferritin and transferrin levels
• Vitamin B12 and folate tests
• Kidney function and thyroid tests
• Endoscopy or scans if bleeding is suspected

This layered approach ensures that the anemia root causes are treated, not just the symptoms.

How to Support Healthy Hemoglobin Levels

Supporting hemoglobin is not about quick fixes but steady lifestyle care.

• Balanced diet: Add spinach, beans, chicken, fish, and vitamin C-rich foods like oranges.
• Hydration: Keeps blood flow smooth.
• Limit alcohol: Protects bone marrow and liver function.
• Routine checks: Especially if you have a chronic illness or a family history of blood disorders.

💡 Remember: Supplements should be taken only after tests confirm deficiency. Overuse of iron tablets can harm the liver.

Conclusion

Low hemoglobin is not just a lab value. It is the body’s way of saying something is off. The common causes of low hemoglobin may be as simple as missing nutrients or as serious as chronic illness. The key is early detection.

At Apollo Diagnostics, we focus on identifying the hemoglobin deficiency reasons with reliable tests and the convenience of home sample collection. Timely testing uncovers the underlying reasons for low hemoglobin and helps doctors guide the right treatment. Taking charge early ensures better health and peace of mind.