Normocytic anemia is a type of anemia in which your red blood cells are normal in shape and size, but you don’t have enough circulating. It’s usually caused by an underlying health condition.

Anemia is a condition in which you don’t have enough red blood cells (RBCs) to provide adequate oxygen to your organs and other tissues.

It can be classified into three subtypes, each of which depends on the shape or size of RBCs. In normocytic anemia, RBCs are normal in shape and size, but there are still insufficient levels circulating to meet your body’s needs.

Normocytic anemia isn’t a health condition that can be diagnosed. It’s often a sign of a severe health condition.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of normocytic anemia.

Normocytic anemia is most commonly acquired, which means it develops as a result of another cause.

Normocytic anemia is usually related to inflammation, which can affect the body’s immune system and reduce the production quantity or quality of RBCs. Weaker RBCs die faster, but aren’t replenished as quickly.

The most common causes of normocytic anemia include:

Normocytic anemia can also be congenital, meaning you’re born with it. Less frequently, normocytic anemia is a complication from a particular medication.

Symptoms of normocytic anemia are slow to develop and are similar to other subtypes.

Many people don’t experience any symptoms unless their hemoglobin levels drop below 7 grams per deciliter (g/dL). Hemoglobin is a protein in RBCs that carries oxygen from your lungs to your organs and tissues.

The most common symptoms of anemia may include:

Because normocytic anemia is so often tied to a chronic underlying health condition, it can be difficult to distinguish anemia symptoms from those of the underlying problem.

A healthcare professional may perform a physical examination and medical history evaluation. This may include asking questions about any symptoms you may be experiencing or health conditions you may have.

In most cases, however, anemia is first identified in a routine blood test, such as a complete blood count (CBC). A CBC checks for red and white blood cell counts, platelet levels, and other markers of blood health.

Anemia is diagnosed if your CBC results are less than:

  • Men: 13.5 g/dL
  • Women: 12 g/dL
  • Children: 11 g/dL

Blood tests like mean corpuscular volume (MCV) can check the size of RBCs. Normocytic anemia is marked by seemingly healthy, normal-looking RBCs that are just low in number.

A bone marrow biopsy may also be performed, as bone marrow is where RBCs are produced.

If iron deficiency is causing anemia, your RBCs will likely be smaller. That said, older research suggests that up to 40% of people with iron deficiency anemia present as normocytic anemia during its early stages.

If your blood test indicates normocytic or another form of anemia, further testing will be ordered to identify the underlying cause of anemia.

The first priority in treating normocytic anemia is treating the underlying health condition. In many cases, managing the underlying condition will help restore RBC levels to normal.

Some examples may include:

In serious cases of normocytic anemia, shots of erythropoietin (Epogen) may be necessary to boost RBC production in your bone marrow.

In even more severe cases, you may need a blood transfusion to ensure your blood is delivering oxygen to keep your organs and other tissues healthy.

Taking iron supplements is appropriate for iron deficiency anemia, but taking iron supplements because you have any form of anemia may be dangerous. If your iron levels are normal, consuming too much iron can be dangerous.

A healthcare professional could help develop the best treatment plan for you. This may include a hematologist, a doctor who treats blood disorders, and another medical professional.

Some cancers associated with normocytic anemia include leukemia, myelofibrosis, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma.

The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in normocytic anemia is 80 to 100 femtoliter (fL).

Yes, in some cases, liver disease may cause normocytic anemia.

Normocytic anemia is a common form of anemia, though it usually coincides with a chronic health problem that triggers an inflammatory response in the body.

If you have symptoms such as unusual tiredness, speak with a healthcare professional. They could examine your symptoms and order a CBC blood test.

If blood tests reveal normocytic anemia, a doctor will likely order further tests to help determine the underlying cause of anemia. They can also develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.