What happens if your platelets are low

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are the part of your blood that helps it clot and stop bleeding. A normal platelet count ranges from , to , per microliter of blood. A count lower than , is considered thrombocytopenia and may affect your ability to donate platelets , among other things. A platelet count below 10, is considered severe thrombocytopenia. When your platelet count gets too low, it can cause dangerous internal bleeding. Thrombocytopenia can be an inherited condition, or it can be caused by medications or other medical conditions.

The platelet count in your bloodstream is reduced by one or more of the following main processes:. What are platelets used for? Learn more on the blog. Because platelets are produced in your bone marrow, decreased platelet production is often related to a bone marrow problem. Some factors that can cause decreased platelet production are:. Certain conditions and medications can cause your body to rapidly destroy or use up platelets faster than they are produced, leading to a shortage of platelets in your bloodstream.

Low platelet count caused by pregnancy is typically mild. It usually improves soon after childbirth. Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the body to attack and destroy its own platelets. This rare blood disorder causes small blood clots to form throughout your body. The increased clotting uses up platelets. This condition affects your blood and blood vessels and results in the destruction of platelets and red blood cells, and can cause kidney failure.

Here are some tips:. Ask your doctor before drinking alcohol or taking any new medication, including over the counter OTC pain relievers. These can make bleeding problems worse. Take precautions to avoid burns when you are cooking, such as by using oven mitts and avoiding skin contact with open flames, steam, hot water, or hot oil.

Think about whether there are ways to reduce your risk of falls at your home. Be sure to talk with the cancer care team about other safety measures to take to avoid bleeding during the time you or a loved one has a low platelet count. And, ask them in advance what should be done if bleeding occurs, does not stop, or becomes worse. They may want you to call your doctor's office immediately. It may also be necessary to seek emergency medical care.

This 1-page printable PDF introduction to thrombocytopenia includes possible causes, symptoms, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, words to know, and questions to ask the health care team. What are the signs of a low platelet count? If you have any of these signs, talk to your health care team right away: More bruises, or worse bruises, than usual Small purple or red dots under your skin Nosebleeds or bleeding gums Black or bloody-looking bowel movements Red or pink urine Vomit with blood in it An unusually heavy menstrual period Severe headaches Muscle or joint pain Feeling weak or dizzy When you have a low platelet count, your body may have difficulty stopping bleeding from a nosebleed or a cut.

What can cause a low platelet count? There are several common causes, including: Chemotherapy. Less common causes of a low platelet count include: Cancer that spreads to the bone. How is a low platelet count diagnosed? How is a low platelet count treated? Preventing bleeding when you have a low platelet count When you have a low platelet count, take extra care to avoid situations that could cause bleeding.

Here are some tips: Ask your doctor before drinking alcohol or taking any new medication, including over the counter OTC pain relievers. Use an extra soft toothbrush and brush gently. Do not floss if your gums bleed. Blow your nose gently, using a soft tissue.

Be extra careful when using scissors, a knife, a needle, or other sharp tools. Shave with an electric razor. Avoid contact sports and other activities that might cause injury. Use a nail file with rounded ends to trim nails, instead of nail clippers. Do not walk around with bare feet, inside or outside. Questions to ask your health care team Is a low platelet count a possible side effect for me?

Will I have regular tests to check for a low platelet count? How, and how often? What signs of a low platelet count should I look out for? If I experience signs of a low platelet count, should I tell the doctor right away? Normally, your spleen works to fight infection and filter unwanted material from your blood. An enlarged spleen — which can be caused by a number of disorders — can harbor too many platelets, which decreases the number of platelets in circulation.

Platelets are produced in your bone marrow. Factors that can decrease platelet production include:. Some conditions can cause your body to use up or destroy platelets faster than they're produced, leading to a shortage of platelets in your bloodstream. Examples of such conditions include:. Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when your platelet count falls below 10, platelets per microliter.

Though rare, severe thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding into the brain, which can be fatal. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. Petechiae Open pop-up dialog box Close. Petechiae Petechiae may look like a rash and usually appear in clusters. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.