Hemoglobin in women – what is the norm?

Hemoglobin — the main component of erythrocytes, which is responsible for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The concentration of this element is considered to be one of the most important biochemical parameters of blood. Depending on how elevated or lowered the hemoglobin level in women, you can judge the cause of internal distress in her body.

The content of the article:

• What is the normal hemoglobin level in women?
• Increased hemoglobin in women
• Low hemoglobin in women
• What to do if hemoglobin is 60-80 in a woman?
• Sample menu for patients with anemia:

What is the normal hemoglobin level in women?

The hemoglobin content is determined by an overall analysis of the blood. Its normal value in women varies from 120 to 140 g/L. higher rate can be observed in professional athletes (up to 160 g/l) in smokers or women (up to 150 g/l). In such cases, a slight deviation is seen as a normal variant.

At the individual scale, doctors assess the level of hemoglobin in the blood of pregnant women. The lower limit of normal in I and III trimester of pregnancy is considered to be 110 g/l, in II — 105 g/L. the Upper value for the entire waiting period should not exceed 120 g/L.

A significant difference in normal parameters in pregnant and non-pregnant women due to physiological changes that occur in the body of the mother. During gestation, the circulating blood volume increases by 50%, so the bone marrow becomes increasingly difficult to raise the hemoglobin in sufficient quantity. Additionally, the consumption of iron is required for the formation of the placenta and growing embryo.

Group	The rate of hemoglobin
The average level for all women	from 120 to 140 g/l
Women smokers	to 150 g/l
Women involved in sports	to 160 g/l
Pregnant women in I and III trimester	110 g/l
Pregnant women in the II trimester	105 g/l

Increased hemoglobin in women

The reasons for the increase in hemoglobin in women can bephysiological and pathological. The first is an intense physical activity and prolonged exposure to hypoxia (e.g. living in a mountainous area). The body begins to experience an acute shortage of oxygen, which compensates for the "overproduction" of red blood cells. Such deviations from the norm, usually small — in the range of 10-20 g/l. Doctors they not alert and medical intervention is not required.

Much more serious is the case if the hemoglobin rises without apparent reason. This may be a sign of dangerous pathologies, particularly heart disease, diabetes mellitus, intestinal obstruction or cardio-pulmonary insufficiency.

The most dangerous, when the concentration of hemoglobin reaches 180-190 g/l there was an increase in the viscosity of the blood impairs processes of microcirculation, have hindered the delivery of oxygen to the organs. In these patients diagnosed blueing of the tips of the fingers and toes, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and irritability.

Long circulatory disorders lead to the development of thromboembolism (blockage of blood vessels). Therefore, excessively high levels of hemoglobin, a condition that requires immediate treatment.

How to lower hemoglobin in women?

For a decrease in hemoglobin may include the following activities:

1. Dietotherapy. The patient is asked not to abuse foods high in iron: red meat, animal offal (liver, kidneys, etc.). Limited consumption of meals that increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity (butter, pork, eggs, confectionery). The diet recommended to complete protein food: beans, white meat, fish. Completely eliminated fast food, sodas, canned and processed foods. Also during treatment do not receiving vitamin-mineral complexes, containing Vit. B12, folic acid and iron.

2. receiving antiplatelet agents. These drugs thin the blood and reduce the risk of thrombosis. However, to apply them on their own without appointing a specialist is not necessary — it is possible to harm your health. On the legitimate use of antiplatelet drugs must consult your doctor.

3. Search for underlying disease. Increasing the level of hemoglobin indicates amalfunctions of the body. To identify the cause of the problem, the doctor definitely prescribes a comprehensive medical examination.

Low hemoglobin in women

A condition in which the hemoglobin falls below normal, anemia is called iron deficiency (or anemia). An experienced doctor is able to detect the pathology before the delivery of laboratory tests, barely glancing at him, addressed to the patient. Pale face, dry skin, "zaedy"in the corners of the mouth, hair dull and sluggish movement — the main symptoms of low hemoglobin. And plus, if a woman complains of fatigue,"floaters"in the eyes and feeling dizzy, then the diagnosis is not in doubt.

In pregnant women anemia is often accompanied by eating disorders, and smelling. The desire to eat chalk, coal, sand, sniffing the whitewash or gasoline — not the"sweet Caprice"future moms, and the reason for going to the doctor.

The risk of anemia is insufficient intake of oxygen to the tissues. In the initial stages of the disease the body tries to cope with the lack of a vital element, depriving them of the least important from his point of view, the organs (hair, nails, teeth). Over time, however, the oxygen deficit increases, and"starve" to have everything, including the brain and heart. To prevent serious complications, it is important to identify and eliminate the cause of the disease at an early stage of its development.

Causes of low hemoglobin in women

Anemia can cause:

1. An improper diet. To hemoglobin were synthesized in the right quantity, with the food in the body women should receive adequate amount of iron. The main sources are animal products: meat, liver, kidney. Plants also contain iron but in a form that is absorbed much worse. That is why vegetarianism and fad diets with low meat content have become one of the most common causes of anemia. Decrease of hemoglobin can also lead to excess consumption of foods that inhibit iron absorption: coffee, tea, chocolate, cereals.

2. A lack of folic acid, Vit. Or with Vit. B12 in the body. All these elements play an important role in the formation of hemoglobin. Deficiency of Vit. B12 is most often caused by helminthic infestation and lack of Vit. C and folic acid — unbalanced nutritional diet.

3. The loss of blood. Can be explicit (the systematicthe donation, abundant long menses, uterine bleeding), and hidden (blood loss associated with hemorrhoids, ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract, polyps in the colon, etc.).

4. Hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone — thyroxine — regulates iron absorption in the intestine. Its deficiency leads to lack of hemoglobin.

5. Diseases of the digestive system. Gastritis, ulceration of the stomach or intestines lead to thinning of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, resulting in iron practically ceases to digest.

6. Premature death of erythrocytes. This condition can be caused by prolonged infectious diseases (hepatitis, tuberculosis , etc.) or immune disorders (e.g. lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis).

7. A sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is one of the factors that affect the synthesis of red blood cells. If the blood is intense enough to accelerate the body, the brain receives signals that erythrocytes "enough" and additional synthesis is required.

8. Stress. Can cause decreased appetite and, as a consequence, insufficient intake of iron from food.

Topic: 5 super foods for a quick boost of hemoglobin!

What to do if hemoglobin is 60-80 in a woman?

The level of hemoglobin below 80 g/l is considered severe anemia. The state correction is carried out taking into account the factor that caused it. To determine the cause of the pathology of the woman asked to pass a series of tests and pass specialists: gynecologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, nutritionist. After identifying the underlying disease the patient choose the complex of therapeutic measures aimed at combating it.

Definitely recommended proper nutrition. In the daily diet of women should include foods rich in iron and vitamins.

These include:

• beef, lamb, meat, white rabbit,
• liver, tongue, kidney,
• egg yolk,
• dried apricots, raisins, prunes, figs,
• Apple and pomegranate juice
• canned soups and porridge,
• legumes,
• the sprouted grains of wheat,

• a decoction of rose hips,

• plums, green apples,

• almonds and walnuts.

To adjust the amount of iron absorbed from food the body is able yourself if you lack of it increases and Vice versa.

Very useful for low hemoglobin drink plenty of liquids. Plain water and juices doctors recommend taking 1/4 Cup every 30 min.

Topic: List of foods to increase hemoglobin

Sample menu for patients with anemia:

1st Breakfast	Millet porridge with dried apricots, prunes and nuts, 1 tbsp. Apple juice, wheat bun.
2nd Breakfast	Sandwich of white bread with cheese, 1 tbsp.broth hips.
Lunch	Salad of fresh vegetables with pieces of meat, soup, vegetable with beef broth, stewed fruit.
Afternoon tea	Fruit or fruit salad, crackers, fresh carrot juice
Dinner	Salad with green peas, buckwheat porridge with beef ribs, tea
At night	It is permissible to drink a glass of yogurt (but no more dairy products inhibit the absorption of iron).

One only a diet does not resolve the anemia, but is a necessary condition to ensure the physiological needs of the body. In addition to the food, to compensate for the shortage of hemoglobin helps the iron supplementation. They are available in the form of capsules, tablets, syrups, drops and solutions for injections. What dosage form and what dose to take, the doctor will decide, guided by the well-being of the patient.

As a rule, in addition to the means prescribed iron vitamin C and folic acid. Drug treatment can last from 1 to 3 months. The effectiveness of the therapy control according to the results of biochemical blood tests.

Should not be along with the iron to take calcium supplements, antacids and tetracycline antibiotics. These fundsreduce its absorption in the intestine. Between meals medications antagonists is necessary to observe a time interval of at least 2 hours.

From popular treatments of anemia a good effect gives the use of dandelion. In warm time of the year fresh shoots and prepare juice and drink it 1 tbsp a day. In the winter, make an infusion of the dried roots of the plants: 1 tbsp. l. raw pour a glass of boiling water and insist within hours. Take 1/2 Cup, morning and evening for 30 minutes before eating.

Also good for haemoglobin broth hips. In one glass add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey and drink the morning on an empty stomach.

Useful to use and fresh vitamin cocktails of carrot, beet and Apple juice. Drinks are mixed in equal proportions and take 1 tbsp. a day half an hour before meals.

Important for patients with anemia acquire fresh air. A permanent presence in space exacerbates hypoxia and leads to the fact that the body actually starts to "choke". Long Proms help patients improve health, strengthen nervous system and to get rid of insomnia.