Decreased Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin, a protein on red blood cells, delivers oxygen to the cells and removes carbon dioxide. Normal ranges are 14 to 18 g/dL for adult men and 12 to 16 g/dL for adult women. A drop in hemoglobin is normal for women who are pregnant or have heavy menstrual bleeding. When hemoglobin is low because of abnormality or illness, it is called anemia.

Causes

• Anemia results from heavy bleeding such as during surgery or with gunshot wounds. It also might be caused by specific cancers like leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma, or it can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy. Nutritional deficiencies of folic acid, vitamin B-12 and iron also contribute to low hemoglobin levels.

Symptoms

• People with mild anemia usually do not have any symptoms. In severe cases, however, they might tire easily, become short of breath or have a rapid heartbeat.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on the cause. Anemia from massive bleeding, cancer or chemotherapy is treated with blood transfusions. Anemia from a nutritional deficiency is corrected with supplements and dietary changes.