Lab marker · Low

Low Protein S: what it means

A Protein S result below the normal range is considered low. Here is what a reduced Protein S can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Reference range: ~65–140% of normal activity (lower in pregnancy and on some hormones); a natural anticoagulant that partners protein C — a LOW level (protein S deficiency) is a thrombophilia raising the risk of venous clots

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What a low Protein S can mean

  • Inherited protein S deficiency — a genetic thrombophilia raising venous clot risk.
  • Pregnancy — physiologically lowers protein S.
  • Oestrogen — the pill or hormone therapy lowers it.
  • Warfarin and vitamin K deficiency — protein S is vitamin-K-dependent.
  • Liver disease, acute illness or a recent clot — can lower it.

When to discuss with a doctor

Protein S is a specialist test within a thrombophilia work-up, not a routine check. It is measured mainly after a blood clot that is unexplained, unusually severe, recurrent, in an unusual site or at a young age, or with a strong family history — to look for an inherited tendency to clot. Because pregnancy, oestrogen, warfarin, liver disease and a recent clot all lower protein S, a single low result does not by itself mean an inherited deficiency: the timing matters and the test is usually repeated away from these influences before any conclusion. A confirmed deficiency can influence treatment, prevention and advice for relatives. Mediora.AI shows protein S alongside protein C, antithrombin and D-dimer so the thrombophilia pattern is read together and reversible causes considered; confirming and acting on a low result belongs with your doctor or haematologist.

Conditions this can relate to

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Mediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.