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

What Causes Low Hemoglobin And Hematocrit Levels?

Posted on Sat, 25 Mar 2017

Question: was hoping you can give me some advice. I am not sure if I need to see a hematologist. I just had blood work done to monitor my cholestrol as I take Crestor. for the first time my hemoglobin and hematocrit are low. Although still in the reference range, I know these values should be higher for males. Could this possibly be a one time occurrence or is this Anemia. 2 weeks ago I was dealing with bleeding hemmroids but got it under control in a few days. not sure if it's related. I wouldn't think so. I am a 35 year old with a history of gilberts syndrome. I also have crohn's which is in remission. I also have a slightly enlarged spleen since 2011 that has not changed.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. It is borderline normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gond through the details. So it is difficult to comment as i donot know your previous hemoglobin level. But i can give you some recommendations
A difference of 1 gm oh hemoglobin is acceptable between two readings due to lab error.
You can get an iron profile and serum ferritin test done to confirm iron deficiency.
Get a stool. Occult blood test done to determine gut loss of blood if any.
Thanks and regards
Feel free to aak further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (20 minutes later)

my hemoglobin is usually in the 14 range. on 11/22 it was 14.5. back in August is was 14. so it could just be a lab error. I also started working out an hour a day 7 days a week. could it be related? maybe possibly over drinking water. pretty sure I don't have any internal bleeding. because my mcv is normal doesn't that mean that it's not related to iron?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. Most likely a lab error.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again. So most likely it seems to be a lab error. Its certainty not related to exercises or water. Usually mcv is normal in iron deficiency, but mild deficiency still can present with normal mcv. You can wait for a month and repeat the labs. If its low or falling, then investigations can be ordered.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (4 minutes later)

ok thanks. I also read that there is something called anemia of chronic illness. is it possible it can also be related to crohns potentially starting to act up?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. That can again be picked by iron profile

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. Anemia of chronic illness usually causes significant anemia, say less than 10 gm percent of hemoglobin. Again, iron profile and ferritin can pick it easily. You need not be afraid as you dont seem to have it.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (11 minutes later)

okay, thanks. this is nothing real serious though, correct?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
For sure.

Detailed Answer:
Hello. There is nothing to suspect, currently. If you have any questions, you can ask anytime.
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. Remy Koshy