What hemoglobin (Hgb) range is considered normal for females?

The normal hemoglobin range for females is between 12-16 g/dL. This value is established based on population studies and clinical guidelines that evaluate the average levels of hemoglobin in healthy adult females. Hemoglobin is an important protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body, and maintaining levels within this normal range is crucial for overall health and oxygenation.

Women typically have lower hemoglobin levels compared to men due to physiological differences, including factors like iron levels, menstruation, and body composition. A hemoglobin level that is too low may indicate anemia, while levels that are significantly higher could suggest other health issues.

The other ranges provided do not align with the established norm for women; they are either too low or too high based on recognized clinical standards. For instance, a lower range like 10-14 g/dL would indicate potential anemia in many cases, and a higher range, such as 14-18 g/dL, is often more reflective of male values rather than female.