Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin is the definition of anemia, which shows up as tiredness, breathlessness and lower endurance.
Your reading
This app uses 12.0–17.5 g/dL, which spans the usual ranges for women (lower) and men (higher). Endurance athletes sometimes run slightly lower because their blood volume expands. Iron, B12 and folate are the usual next tests when hemoglobin is low.
What may help
- —Enough iron, B12 and folate in your diet
- —Checking ferritin: low iron stores are the most common cause of low hemoglobin
- —Staying hydrated before the test, since dehydration can make hemoglobin look higher
When to talk to a doctor
If hemoglobin is below the range, keeps falling, or is high, which can happen with dehydration, smoking, living at altitude or rarer blood conditions.
Common questions
What is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin is the definition of anemia, which shows up as tiredness, breathlessness and lower endurance.
What is a normal Hemoglobin level?
Daygo uses 12.0–17.5 g/dL as the reference range. This app uses 12.0–17.5 g/dL, which spans the usual ranges for women (lower) and men (higher). Endurance athletes sometimes run slightly lower because their blood volume expands. Iron, B12 and folate are the usual next tests when hemoglobin is low.
How can I improve my Hemoglobin?
Enough iron, B12 and folate in your diet. Checking ferritin: low iron stores are the most common cause of low hemoglobin. Staying hydrated before the test, since dehydration can make hemoglobin look higher.
When should I see a doctor about Hemoglobin?
If hemoglobin is below the range, keeps falling, or is high, which can happen with dehydration, smoking, living at altitude or rarer blood conditions.
Source: MedlinePlus (NIH). Reference ranges are standard adult intervals — your own lab may report a different range for your age, sex, or method. This isn't medical advice; always go by the range on your actual results and talk to a clinician about anything that concerns you.