5 reasons why women should keep a check on their hemoglobin levels

We often hear women complaining about how they feel tired all through the day. Note that low hemoglobin levels could be one of the underlying reasons. Yes, many a time, we are not even aware of the fact that the average hemoglobin range for a female should be 12.0 to 15.5 gm/ dL. So, what actually is hemoglobin and why is it so important to perform this test at least once a year.

Hemoglobin in your blood, more specifically RBCs, is a carrier of oxygen for the functioning of various organs in the body. In layman terms, this is nothing but the level of iron content in the body. Some of the reasons for low hemoglobin levels might include improper nutrition, surgery, internal bleeding, heavy menstrual flow, etc. Loss of blood in any form should be avoided to reduce the risk of anemia (low iron levels).

Effects of low hemoglobin levels in women

1. Weakness/ Feeling tired
As the blood supply to the brain becomes low with low hemoglobin levels, we tend to feel tired all the time.

2. Complication in pregnancy
There are higher chances of low hemoglobin levels of the mother might affect the fetus leading to premature birth or low birth weight. So doctors often advise pregnant women to take proper nutrition and foods rich in iron to make sure the fetus is healthy.

3. Cardiac arrest
Dangerously low levels of hemoglobin can increase the possibilities of cardiac arrest or other heart-related problems.

4. Low immunity
The ability of the white blood cells to fight against the antibodies becomes low leading to infections and falling sick more often.

5. Mental Illness
Did you know that insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain can cause mental illness? Yes, depression and sleeplessness are other health complications.

Foods such as spinach, lean meat, fish, and citrus fruits are loaded with iron content and hence, it isn’t that big a deal to fight iron deficiency. A routine check along with proper nutrition can save women from future complications, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.