What Are the Causes of Low Blood Platelets in Men?
Platelets are blood cells involved in the process of healing and blood clotting. In both men and women, a normal count is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microlitre or cubic milimeter of blood, reports Lab Tests Online. A lower count of platelets indicates a condition called thrombocytopenia, which unlike hemophilia, can affect man and women in the same way. Causes of low blood platelets include bone marrow cancer, autoimmune diseases and exposure to some chemical substances. Bone Marrow Cancer Platelets, as well as other blood cells, are produced in the bone marrow and live for only 10 days. Leukemia and other types of bone marrow cancers can cause a decrease in the production of new platelets, according to Mayo Clinic website. Viral infections, such as AIDS, can also suppress the production of platelets. Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, including platelets. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) happe
