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Is high hemoglobin level indicative of some disease?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am so worried. I had a blood test, and my hemoglobin is 16 g/dl, and my hematocrit is 46 PTC. I am female, 39, and healthy. My white blood cells, platelets, and thrombocytes are in the normal middle range.

Is a slightly high hemoglobin sign of some sickness? What to do next?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri is an experienced General Physician and Pathologist with extensive years of clinical expertise. He specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions while providing holistic care to patients. As a Pathologist, he is skilled in performing and interpreting laboratory investigations that aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Rajendragiri is dedicated to delivering patient-focused care with a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and overall well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

So, actually, your hemoglobin level is borderline high and not low. So, you do not have anemia. You are probably thinking about polycythemia. However, since your hemoglobin level is not significantly elevated and your total WBC count, along with your platelet count, is within range, there is no need to worry. In females, the normal hemoglobin range is between 13 and 16.

I suggest you investigate serum erythropoietin levels to ensure they are within range. Excessive non-vegetarian diets can also lead to high hemoglobin levels. Sometimes, if the investigation is done in the dehydration stage, such findings can also occur. You can revert with a serum EPO (erythropoietin) report to guide you further.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 7, 2018
Reviewed At April 28, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri is an experienced General Physician and Pathologist with extensive years of clinical expertise. He specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions while providing holistic care to patients. As a Pathologist, he is skilled in performing and interpreting laboratory investigations that aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Rajendragiri is dedicated to delivering patient-focused care with a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and overall well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri is an experienced General Physician and Pathologist with extensive years of clinical expertise. He specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions while providing holistic care to patients. As a Pathologist, he is skilled in performing and interpreting laboratory investigations that aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Rajendragiri is dedicated to delivering patient-focused care with a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and overall well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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