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Learn about your biomarkers

A clear reference for the biomarkers you are most likely to see on a blood test: what each one is, how it can affect you, and how ranges or risks can differ for men and women. This is general education, not medical advice.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The CBC looks at the cells circulating in your blood, red cells that carry oxygen, white cells that fight infection, and platelets that help you clot. It's one of the most common screens for anemia, infection, and overall blood health.

Hemoglobin

What it is

The protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

How it can affect you

Low hemoglobin can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, and reduced exercise capacity. High values can appear with dehydration, smoking, or living at high altitude.

Men vs. women

Reference ranges are typically higher in men (about 13.5–17.5 g/dL) than in women (about 12.0–15.5 g/dL). Menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery are common reasons for lower hemoglobin in women.

Hematocrit

What it is

The percentage of your blood volume made up of red blood cells.

How it can affect you

Moves with hemoglobin. Low values suggest anemia; high values can reflect dehydration or, less often, an overproduction of red cells.

Men vs. women

Men typically run higher (about 41–53%) than women (about 36–46%) because of hormonal differences and iron losses through menstruation.

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

What it is

The total number of red blood cells per volume of blood.

How it can affect you

Low RBC contributes to anemia symptoms. High RBC can occur with smoking, sleep apnea, or dehydration.

Men vs. women

Slightly higher in men than in women, driven largely by testosterone's effect on red cell production.

MCV, MCH, MCHC

What it is

Red blood cell indices that describe average cell size and hemoglobin content.

How it can affect you

Small cells (low MCV) often point to iron deficiency. Large cells (high MCV) can point to B12 or folate deficiency, thyroid issues, or alcohol use.

Men vs. women

Ranges are similar across sexes, but women are more likely to see low MCV from iron loss, while both sexes can see high MCV from B12/folate issues.

White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

What it is

Your immune system's frontline cells. The total count rises with infection, inflammation, and stress.

How it can affect you

High values often reflect infection or inflammation; low values can follow viral illness or appear with certain medications.

Men vs. women

Ranges are essentially the same for men and women. Pregnancy can raise WBC in women.

Platelets

What it is

Small cell fragments that help your blood clot after injury.

How it can affect you

Low platelets can raise bleeding and bruising risk; very high platelets can raise clotting risk. Many mild changes are temporary and follow infection or inflammation.

Men vs. women

Ranges are similar for men and women, though women can see mild shifts around menstruation and pregnancy.

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Educational information only. Always review your results with a qualified provider.