Creatine is the final product of protein metabolism, which is excreted from the body through the kidneys. The indices of creatinine in the blood reflect the functioning of the kidneys and the state of the muscle tissue. The creatinine content is detected through a biochemical blood test, while it should be borne in mind that its norm in women and men is different.
What are the norms of creatinine in the blood of women? Experts will tell about it.
The level of creatinine in the blood - the norm in women
The rate of creatinine in the blood of women is in direct relationship with age. Reference indicators for age categories are as follows:
- from 14 to 18 years - 44 - 88 μmol / l;
- from 18 to 60 years - 53 - 97 μmol / l;
- from 50 years - 53 - 106 μmol / l.
Thus, before reaching puberty, the norm is lower by approximately 9 units, and after 50 years the average creatinine in women is on average about 9 units higher.
In pregnant women, there is often a significant decrease in the indicator relative to the norm. A very common situation, when a woman waiting for a child, after learning the results of a blood test, is horrified that creatinine is almost twice as low as normal. In fact, this is a temporary phenomenon associated with the peculiarities of physiology.
Preparation for delivery of the assay for creatinine
In order for the results of the assay to determine the creatinine content to be the most reliable, one should:
- Exclude physical activity for two days.
- During the day, do not take alcohol, strong tea and coffee; eat less protein food.
- For 8-10 hours before visiting the laboratory do not eat, and drink only water without gas.
- Before taking blood, relax and sit for at least 10 minutes in a calm state.
Causes of changes in the level of creatinine in the blood
High level of creatinine
Increase of creatinine, above all, indicates pathological processes in the kidneys that have developed as a result of infection, malignant tumor, insufficient inflow or outflow of blood. Other reasons for increasing the amount of creatinine are:
- heart failure;
- injury with muscle damage;
- extensive burn wounds;
- significant hemorrhage, including internal bleeding;
- pathology of the muscular system (myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, etc.);
- endocrine disorders (acromegaly, hyperthyroidism);
- dehydration of the body ;
- radiation sickness.
In addition, the level of creatinine is elevated in those patients who prefer meat food. Taking certain medications, including barbiturates, sulfonamides, thiazide diuretics, etc., can also lead to an increase in the content of creatinine in the blood.
Attention! Increase in the concentration of creatinine is often observed in patients prone to obesity.
An increase in the level of creatinine is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- pain and feeling of heaviness in the lumbar region;
- labored breathing;
- constant feeling of fatigue, loss of strength;
- decreased appetite, nausea;
- urinary incontinence until complete absence of urine;
- high blood pressure ;
- confusion of consciousness;
- convulsions.
Low level of creatinine
The level of creatinine below the norm can be caused by:
- severe liver diseases, in the first place, cirrhosis;
- a significant reduction in muscle mass due to long starvation or illness;
- hyperhydration.
Long-term use of corticosteroids can also cause a decrease in the level of creatinine.
As you can see, the corresponding concentration of creatinine in the blood is a sign of health. Figures corresponding to normal indices are noted in those people whose organs and body systems function without significant problems.