Hemoglobin

When we take a blood test, we often hear from doctors that hemoglobin is in the normal range. And what does this expression mean, and how is the rate of hemoglobin set, what does its level depend on? These questions most often go unanswered. Let's try to understand them in more detail. So, hemoglobin: the norm in women by age.

How is hemoglobin rate determined?

The level of hemoglobin in the blood is determined by the results of laboratory tests. In order to find out your hemoglobin, ask the therapist for a referral to a detailed blood test, which also reveals other indicators: leukocytes, platelets, and ESR.

Delivery of laboratory tests is similar to a ritual and requires compliance with some rules:

• Blood is donated only in the morning, since the level of hemoglobin in it at this time of day is almost normal.
• Before passing the analysis can not eat. This is due to the fact that the use of food, especially liquid, the level of hemoglobin in the blood is significantly reduced.
• Before taking the analysis, and preferably for 24 hours, do not consume alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. If you smoke, report this to the technician, since nicotine in the blood can give false positive hemoglobin levels.

After you donated blood, in the laboratory with the help of special devices will conduct a test and identify the necessary indicators. In ordinary clinics it takes about 12 hours. If you urgently need to know the level of hemoglobin in the blood, many modern clinics offer a rapid test, which will be ready within 5-10 minutes. Also in pharmacies special devices are sold that allow you to find out at home the level of sugar, leukocytes and hemoglobin in the blood.

The hemoglobin rate is a standardized value, which in women is 12-14 g / l. However, this value can also change its value if it is influenced by the following factors:

• age;
• weight;
• existing diseases;
• bad habits;
• menstrual cycle;
• pregnancy.

Indicators of the norm in women by age: table

The older a person is, the thicker his blood becomes. For example, in the same woman, the rate of hemoglobin in the blood after 50 years may differ by 5-7% from its value in 18-20 years.

To determine the normal level of hemoglobin in the blood, if you subtract all factors except age, you can use the table below.

However, it is worth noting that the level of hemoglobin in the blood of expectant mothers may differ, regardless of age. Hemoglobin is considered to be within the normal range, and its indicators are 110-130 g / l, but it may slightly decrease in the 2nd trimester. In this case, the minimum limit will be 100 g / l. All other changes in hemoglobin levels in pregnant women are considered pathological.

Also, the hemoglobin content in the blood may vary with the onset of the menstrual cycle in the range of 110-120 g / l.

Symptoms of high and low hemoglobin

Any deviations from the indicators given in the table are considered pathological. Usually, a decrease or increase in hemoglobin is accompanied by characteristic symptoms and indicates the possible development of certain diseases.

The lack of hemoglobin in the blood in medicine is called anemia. The reasons for its occurrence may be several, select the most frequent of them:

• bleeding (postpartum or menstrual);
• lack of iron in the body due to improper diet (for example, as a consequence of a diet for weight loss);
• violation of the absorption of iron by the body (dysbacteriosis);
• heredity.

When there is not enough hemoglobin in the blood, this can not affect the general condition of the body.

Signs of low hemoglobin:

• general weakness and fatigue;
• sleep disorders;
• pale complexion, dry skin;
• migraine and vertigo;
• noise in ears;
• darkening of the eyes during sudden movements;
• brittle nails and hair;
• violation of the menstrual cycle;
• loss of appetite and a violation of taste preferences;
• cramps in the legs with a sharp change in temperature.

There are cases when the level of hemoglobin in the blood exceeds the norm, for example, after long walks in the fresh air or exercise. Also, elevated hemoglobin is quite normal for residents of the highlands. In all other cases, an increase in its level indicates the presence of such diseases:

• erythrocytosis;
• diabetes;
• malignant neoplasms;
• burn disease;
• pathologies of the heart and lungs.

The reasons for the increase in hemoglobin can be attributed, and the lack of iron in the body, as well as vitamins of group B. The hemoglobin rate in the blood of women after 40 years may decrease due to the onset of menopause.

Symptoms of elevated hemoglobin:

• drowsiness;
• increased fatigue;
• the skin is pale and bright in some places;
• difficulty urinating;
• blurred vision;
• loss of appetite.

The symptoms of hemoglobin elevation are often similar to low levels. Therefore, it is impossible to determine which hemoglobin index is exactly according to the presence of signs alone. Any deviation from the norm in itself is a reason to undergo a complete examination of the body, and the delivery of a blood test is considered mandatory for an accurate diagnosis.

A woman needs to be examined and also undergo a complete blood count at least once a year. Thus, you can check whether your blood hemoglobin level is normal or if it is time to start prophylaxis and treatment to level it. Carefully monitor your health and do not get sick!