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Signs of Low Platelets

Low platelets, also known as thrombocytopenia, is a condition in which people have fewer platelets in the blood than normal. Normal platelet levels are generally between 150,000 and 450,000 in humans. Usually anyone with less than 100,000 platelets is considered to have thrombocytopenia. Platelet cells help blood to clot. When platelet levels drop, a number of symptoms can occur.

  1. 30,000 to 50,000 Platelets

    • Many patients with mild thrombocytopenia do not experience symptoms. When levels drop to around 50,000, small, unexplainable bruises may begin to develop. The most common place for bruising to occur is on the forearms. As platelet levels continue to drop, between 30,000 and 50,000, it will be increasingly easy for those with the condition to bruise, and bleeding from minor injuries may occur.

    10,000 to 30,000 Platelets

    • As platelets continue to drop to levels between 10,000 and 30,000 platelets, symptoms worsen. In addition to unexplained bruises, bleeding may also occur for seemingly no reason. In this stage, bruises often appear larger and raised, or may resemble a rash. Nose bleeds and bleeding in the mouth are also common. Women with the condition often experience heavy periods. Patients with low platelet levels also will have difficulty stopping any bleeding because it is more difficult for blood to clot with the condition. Internal bleeding from minor injuries is also possible.

    Less than 10,000 Platelets

    • In the most severe cases, platelet levels can drop below 10,000. In this stage of the condition, symptoms include large, raised bruises; rash-like bruises; frequent nose bleeds; bleeding from the mouth; extremely heavy menstrual cycles for women and seemingly unexplainable bleeding. In the most extreme cases, bleeding in the brain may occur.

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