Haemoglobin: what a low haemoglobin level can mean for your health

Haemoglobin is an essential part of your blood and plays an important role in how you feel day to day. It helps carry oxygen around the body, supporting your energy levels, concentration, and overall wellbeing. When haemoglobin levels are low, your body may not get enough oxygen, which can lead to symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. For anyone who wants to better understand their health, learning about haemoglobin is a useful starting point. In this article, we explain what haemoglobin does, how haemoglobin levels are checked, why levels can become low, which symptoms to watch for, and what steps may help support healthy levels.

Table of Contents

• What is haemoglobin?

• How to check your haemoglobin levels

• What causes a low haemoglobin level?

• Understanding your haemoglobin results and next steps

• Frequently asked questions about haemoglobin

What is haemoglobin?

Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. Its main job is to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout your body. It also helps red blood cells carry carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is breathed out.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2026

How to check your haemoglobin levels

A haemoglobin test may be done by your healthcare provider during a routine check-up or as part of a complete blood count (CBC). It helps assess your overall health and screen for conditions affecting the blood (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

While Homed-IQ does not currently offer a test specifically for haemoglobin, you can still explore a range of at-home tests that provide insight into your overall health. These include preventive and general health tests that measure other important health markers and may help you decide whether to seek further medical advice.

A typical home testing process may look like this:

1. Order your test online
   Choose the relevant Homed-IQ test and have it delivered to your home.

2. Activate your test kit
   Before collecting your sample, follow the instructions to activate your kit. This connects your sample to your secure results.

3. Read the instructions carefully
   Homed-IQ provides clear guidance so you know exactly what to do before, during, and after collecting your sample.

4. Collect your sample
   Prepare the materials, and collect the required sample using the equipment provided in the kit.

5. Send your sample to the laboratory
   Package the sample as instructed and return it using the provided shipping materials via a normal letterbox.

6. Receive your results online
   Once your sample has been analysed, your results are made available securely.

What causes a low haemoglobin level?

Haemoglobin levels can become low for several reasons. Common causes include:

1. Blood loss
   A low haemoglobin count can be caused by blood loss. This may happen due to bleeding in the digestive tract, such as from ulcers, cancers, or haemorrhoids, frequent blood donation, or heavy menstrual bleeding. In some cases, even normal menstrual bleeding may contribute to a slightly lower haemoglobin level.

2. Conditions that may cause red blood cells to break down too quickly
   Some diseases and conditions can cause the body to destroy red blood cells faster than it can replace them. These include an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), haemolysis, porphyria, sickle cell anaemia, and thalassaemia.

3. Conditions that may reduce red blood cell production
   Some diseases and conditions can cause the body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal. These include different types of anaemia, such as aplastic anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, and vitamin deficiency anaemia. Other possible causes include cancer, leukaemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lead poisoning, and certain medications, such as antiretroviral drugs used for HIV or chemotherapy drugs used for cancer and other conditions.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2025

Understanding your haemoglobin results and next steps

Normal haemoglobin levels can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, pregnancy, and overall health. In general:

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

A low haemoglobin result does not always mean there is an emergency, but it should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially if you have symptoms.

Besides treating the underlying health condition, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support healthy red blood cells and haemoglobin levels. Helpful foods include:

• Red meat (beef) and meat from the organs, like liver.

• Fish.

• Leafy vegetables, like kale and spinach.

• Lentils, beans and peas.

• Nuts and dried berries.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Frequently asked questions about haemoglobin

What are the symptoms of low haemoglobin?

Symptoms of low haemoglobin may include:

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Shortness of breath

• Pale or yellowish skin, which might be more obvious on white skin than on Black or brown skin

• Irregular heartbeat

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Chest pain

• Cold hands and feet

• Headaches

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2026