Hemoglobin blood test
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Typical range (adult men)
- 13.5–17.5 g/dL
- Panel
- Blood Health
- Also called
- Hb, Haemoglobin
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
Testosterone and anabolic steroids raise it, along with hematocrit, which thickens the blood.
What can raise it
- Testosterone or anabolic steroid use
- Living at altitude
- Smoking
- Dehydration
What can lower it
- Iron, B12 or folate deficiency
- Blood loss
- Chronic illness
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Compounds that affect Hemoglobin
Monitored with these, based on their known properties:
- Testosterone Cypionate
- Testosterone Enanthate
- Testosterone Propionate
- Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
- NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate)
- Trenbolone Acetate
- Trenbolone Enanthate
- Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)
- Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate)
- Masteron Enanthate (Drostanolone Enanthate)
- Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate)
- Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
Other blood health tests
Questions
What is a normal Hemoglobin level?
A typical adult male reference range is 13.5–17.5 g/dL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high Hemoglobin mean?
Common reasons include testosterone or anabolic steroid use, living at altitude, smoking and dehydration. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low Hemoglobin mean?
Common reasons include iron, B12 or folate deficiency, blood loss and chronic illness.