How to increase hemoglobin?

Question

I have been trying to increase my hemoglobin for months and it keeps fluctuating. What should I do?

Dare Ajibade, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The concentration of hemoglobin in a person is dependent on a variety of different factors which can be different for individuals patient. Examples of factors that can affect hemoglobin level include but are not limited to heavy menses, anemia, nutrition, iron deficiency, hematologic disorder, chronic disease and elevated altitude. It is always best to consult a medical professional like you pcp or an hematologist to help you figure out the exact reason in your case. Also keep in mind, there is a range of normal hemoglobin and based of your specific situation and surgical need your current level may or may not be sufficient for your surgeon.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

There are varied reasons for low hemoglobin (anemia).  Sometimes it's as simple as iron deficiency which is alleviated with taking Iron supplements along with Vitamin C.  Other times, it is caused by genetic deformities (sickle cell anemia, trait etc.)  
Liposuction with a BBL procedure usually lose very little blood so I accept levels of 8 or 9 (provided with is your norm and you are asymptomatic at this level).  
Ask your private physician what their assessment is of your blood count.
Dr. Taranow

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Different people have natural different levels of hemoglobin. It’s important to understand if you have iron deficiency-based anemia. If so, then, taking supplemental iron, may improve your blood count. If you’re not iron deficient, then taking supplemental iron, it will probably not increase your hemoglobin level. It’s important to recognize different people have different natural baseline hemoglobin levels.
Unless your hemoglobin level is unstable for dangerously low, most people can still have elective surgical procedures. 
Each plastic surgeon will have the wrong criteria for what is acceptable and what is not.
I personally do not have absolute levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit required for anyone in particular procedure. It’s better to look at everything in context, then make a clinical decision that seems most appropriate. Blood levels can be increased with the use of erythropoietin, but this is usually not done in preparation for surgery.
Talk to your plastic surgeon and consider getting a few different consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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