Why could you have low hemoglobin levels?

Possible causes of low hemoglobin levels:

- Nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency. Iron is an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin. Vitamin B12 is also necessary for the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin.

- Chronic diseases/ conditions, such as cancer, kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases, can lead to low hemoglobin levels. These conditions can interfere with the production or destruction of red blood cells.

- Menstruation: Women tend to have lower hemoglobin than men due to blood loss during menstruation. Pregnancy can also cause a temporary decrease in hemoglobin levels, as the body expands its blood volume to support the growing fetus.

- Blood loss, such as from a gastrointestinal bleed, surgery, or heavy menstrual bleeding. Acute or chronic bleeding can lead to iron deficiency and low hemoglobin levels.

- Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some anti-inflammatory drugs, can interfere with the production of red blood cells or damage existing red blood cells.

- Bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplasia, can affect the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin.

- Genetic conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, are inherited disorders that can cause abnormal hemoglobin production and lead to low hemoglobin levels.

- Chronic inflammation: Ongoing inflammatory conditions in the body can also contribute to low hemoglobin levels.

- Parasite infections: Certain parasitic infections, such as hookworm, can lead to blood loss and iron deficiency, causing low hemoglobin levels.