Concerns Regarding Blood Test Outcomes – Anemia and Inflammation
Greetings! I'm reaching out for some guidance regarding my recent blood test outcomes. I’m a 28-year-old female, and these tests were conducted following my report of experiencing night sweats. After reviewing my results, my general practitioner has advised that I come in for a follow-up consultation. I admit that I'm feeling quite worried about the implications of these findings and would greatly appreciate any insights! Unfortunately, I'm unable to see my GP for another month, so I'd like to better understand these results to alleviate some of my anxiety while I wait. Here’s what I found: - HAEMOGLOBIN: 112 g/L - MCH: 26 pg - FERRITIN: 44 µg/L (up from 20 µg/L last year) - CRP: 7.9 mg/L (down from 12.0 µg/L last year) - Thyroid function and all other tests came back normal.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 8:21:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your blood test results indicate some areas of concern, particularly regarding anemia, but there are also positive trends and normal findings to consider. Let's break down the key points:
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Hemoglobin Level: Your hemoglobin level is 112 g/L, which is lower than the typical range for adult women (generally 120-160 g/L). This suggests that you may be experiencing mild anemia.
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Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Your MCH is at 26 pg, which is on the lower side of the normal range (around 27-32 pg), further supporting the evidence of anemia.
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Ferritin Level: Your ferritin level is 44 µg/L, which is an improvement from 20 µg/L a year ago. Ferritin measures the stored iron in your body, and while your level is still low, the increase is a positive sign suggesting that your body is starting to replenish its iron stores.
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C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Your CRP level of 7.9 mg/L indicates low-grade inflammation, but it has decreased from 12.0 mg/L last year. This decrease suggests that whatever underlying inflammatory process may have been present is easing.
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Thyroid and Other Tests: It's good to know that your thyroid function and other tests came back normal, ruling out some common causes for your symptoms.
Immediate Steps to Consider:
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Dietary Adjustments: Increase your intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Vitamin C can help with iron absorption, so include fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers with your meals.
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Stay Hydrated and Monitor Symptoms: Ensure that you're drinking enough water. Keep an eye on any symptoms you have, such as fatigue, dizziness, or changes in your night sweats. Note if these worsen, improve, or change in any way.
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Consider Supplements: Although you should ultimately discuss this with your GP, iron supplements could be beneficial if you're not getting enough iron from dietary sources.
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Stay Informed: Use this time before your appointment to jot down any questions or concerns you have about your symptoms, the blood test results, or potential next steps. This will help you make the most of your upcoming consultation when you see your GP.
Emotional Support:
It's completely normal to feel worried about your health, especially when waiting for answers. Knowing that your ferritin levels are improving and that other tests returned normal results can help ease some concerns. Try to focus on the positive impacts of any dietary changes you make and monitor how you feel overall.
If you notice extreme symptoms like severe fatigue or any other significant changes, do not hesitate to seek medical assistance sooner.
Please remember that it’s essential to discuss these results with your healthcare provider for a thorough interpretation in the context of your overall health history.
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