Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in the total volume of blood. When the hematocrit is low, it indicates that there are fewer red blood cells in the blood than normal. This condition is known as anemia.

Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. There are many causes of low hematocrit. Here are six possible causes.

1. Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of low hematocrit. Iron is an essential nutrient that is required to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

When the body doesn’t get enough iron, it can’t make enough hemoglobin, and red blood cell production decreases. This can lead to low hematocrit and anemia.

2. Vitamin deficiency anemia

Vitamins such as vitamin B12 and folic acid are also essential for red blood cell production. When the body doesn’t get enough of these vitamins, it can’t make enough red blood cells, and the hematocrit decreases.

This type of anemia is called vitamin deficiency anemia.

3. Chronic disease

Chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause low hematocrit. These diseases can affect the production of red blood cells, leading to anemia.

4. Blood loss

Blood loss can cause low hematocrit. This can happen in cases of acute blood loss due to injury or surgery, or chronic blood loss due to conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding.

5. Bone marrow disorders

Disorders of the bone marrow, such as leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, can cause low hematocrit. These disorders can affect the production of red blood cells and lead to anemia.

6. Genetic disorders

Some genetic disorders can cause low hematocrit. These include sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. These disorders affect the structure of hemoglobin or the production of red blood cells, leading to anemia.

If you have low hematocrit, it’s important to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the cause of the anemia.

Treatment may include iron supplements, vitamin supplements, medications to treat chronic diseases, blood transfusions, or bone marrow transplant.

Conclusion

Low hematocrit can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is iron deficiency anemia, but other causes include vitamin deficiency anemia, chronic disease, blood loss, bone marrow disorders, and genetic disorders.

If you have low hematocrit, it’s important to determine the underlying cause so that appropriate treatment can be given.