HomeAnswersHematologyhemoglobinWhy did my hemoglobin drop drastically?

I feel shortness of breath and tired. Is it because of my low hemoglobin levels?

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Published At March 2, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 20, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I recently had a ferritin test done, and my iron was 38 ug/dL. My hemoglobin dropped from 12.4 gm/dL to 11.3 gm/dL. I feel chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, and low energy. Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your hemoglobin is mildly low, and your iron saturation level is low. So, it is suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. It would help with further investigation on stool analysis and peripheral blood smear examination report. If you have any recent history of bleeding from anywhere, it could also be possible. I suggest a Ferrous ascorbate tablet with orange juice for one to two months to improve hemoglobin.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Are any of the numbers at a dangerous level? And what about the drop in hemoglobin? Can it be dropping like this? I went to two hospitals, and at the first hospital, my hemoglobin was 11.7 gm/dL, and the second one was 11.3 gm/dL. Is this possible? Is it a sign of a dangerous drop because I feel breathless and exhausted. I am not sure about the recent history of bleeding. I finished my menstrual cycle three days ago. Could that be a reason?

I also have acid reflux, so I stopped having oranges and lemons. Could you suggest an alternative? What dosage of Ferrous ascorbate do you suggest. Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In attached reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), any value is not dangerously low. However, your iron saturation and iron level are down, along with hemoglobin suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. Hemoglobin levels can vary from 0.5 gm/dL to 1 gm/dl. Menstrual cycle bleed also can lower hemoglobin levels slightly. I suggest Orofer XT tablet (Ferrous ascorbate 100 mg and Folic acid 1.5 mg). Chest X-ray and physical chest examination should be done to rule out any respiratory problem if present. If you have acid reflux, then take the tablet with orange juice. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Pathology

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