Does a Low Hematocrit Mean I’m Anemic?
No! Women tend to have lower hematocrit levels than men. A low hematocrit level does not mean that you are unhealthy or anemic. It is possible to be anemic and have a “normal” hematocrit. Conversely, it is possible to have an abnormal hematocrit and not be anemic. Frequent blood donors will sometimes run a borderline low hematocrit. This may simply be a reflection of their bodies not replacing their red cells as quickly as they are being removed. Sometimes spacing donations further apart can help in this situation.
