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Why Do Males Have a Higher HCT Than Females?

Males have a higher hematocrit, or HCT, than females because women lose blood regularly through menstruation, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. Male hormones also stimulate greater production of red blood cells from bone marrow.

  1. Normal Values

    • Hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in the blood. Normal adult values of hemoglobin range from 36 percent to 51 percent. Men should have levels of at least 42 percent, and women should have levels of at least 36 percent.

    Anemia

    • Anemia is defined as an abnormally low level of hematocrit or hemoglobin, which is a measure of the oxygen-carrying capacity in red blood cells. Anemia is associated with conditions such as excessive blood loss, low iron levels and blood marrow or hormonal problems.

    Higher Levels

    • Dehydration can temporarily increase higher hematocrit levels because of lower fluid volume. Increases in hematocrit can also occur if the bone marrow produces more red cells in response to poor oxygenation stemming from lung problems.

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