My hemoglobin has always been in the low 12 s. it now fell into the 11s. should i be concerned? i am a 45 year old female.

Anemia: Anemia is a broad term for low hemoglobin caused by many different things. Common things are common as we say. For a woman who is still having her menses, it's not unusual to be mildly anemic. Make sure your diet has enough iron. If you or your doctor doesn't suspect iron deficiency, then it will require workup for other things. Good luck!

Oral iron: Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of anemia in women. You may take oral iron and multivitamin supplements and retest in about 6 months. Have a healthy diet, exercise 30 minutes/day, drink plenty of water, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. For nutrition: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.

Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia is very common in women. As women mature their menstrual periods often lessening in blood loss, lessening , thereby the chance of iron deficiency. I never just assume some has iron deficiency anemia, but screen other types of anemia. For example there are genetic anemias, called thalassemia. You should have proper testing to determine which type of anemia you have.