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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Dosage Of Iron Supplement Is Advisable For A Person With Low Hemoglobin?

I am a 59 yr old female and my red blood cell count is 3.55 and hemoglobin 10.9 and hematocrit 34.2 my Dr said I am anemic and should take an iron supplement. What dose would you recommend and at what point should I be concerned and go to another to get this checked out. My Dr said come back in 3months to recheck
Mon, 7 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Ma'am, Hi & Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concern.

Normal hemoglobin levels for women range from 12 to 15.5 g of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood. As per World Health Organization criteria the anemia in women occurs if hemoglobin is less than 12 g per dL.

The dosage of elemental iron required to treat iron deficiency anemia in elderly women is 120 mg per day for three months. An increase in hemoglobin of 1 g per dL after one month of treatment shows an adequate response to treatment and confirms the diagnosis and the treatment should be continued for three months after the anemia is corrected to allow iron stores to become replenished. Besides the underlying cause if any should be detected and treated accordingly.
Hope this answers your query.
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What Dosage Of Iron Supplement Is Advisable For A Person With Low Hemoglobin?

Dear Ma am, Hi & Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concern. Normal hemoglobin levels for women range from 12 to 15.5 g of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood. As per World Health Organization criteria the anemia in women occurs if hemoglobin is less than 12 g per dL. The dosage of elemental iron required to treat iron deficiency anemia in elderly women is 120 mg per day for three months. An increase in hemoglobin of 1 g per dL after one month of treatment shows an adequate response to treatment and confirms the diagnosis and the treatment should be continued for three months after the anemia is corrected to allow iron stores to become replenished. Besides the underlying cause if any should be detected and treated accordingly. Hope this answers your query. A feed back is appreciated.