HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Does Anaemia Cause Excessive Hunger?

Posted on Mon, 22 Aug 2016

Question: Can anemia due to excessive blood loss cause excessive hunger?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. Yes it can cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. Welcome to HCM. It is a commonly seen phenomenon.
Only mechanism which can explain excessive hunger post excessive blood loss is a low blood glucose levels, which can stimulate the appetite centre to cause an increases urge for feeding. We usually see increased appetite in hospitalised patients who have a severe bleeding. Hope it solve your query.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (58 minutes later)

Do to adenomyosis I lost so much blood I needed 3 blood tranfusions . They said my red blood cells were 7 when it shouldve been 15. I experienced major hunger but random glucose testing at hospital showed normal blood sugar?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. Blood sugar appears normal due to homeostasis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. The body tries to maintain normal blood sugar by maintaining a relationship between demand and supply as liver releases excess of glycogen to convert it into glucose to meet body supply. The blood sugar will thus appear normal, but you will have excessive hunger to fill the depleted glycogen stores.
Hope you understand
Thanks and regards

Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina