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How does erythropoietin relate to red blood cell production?

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Human kidneys — renal system Diagram showing the location of the kidneys in the abdominal cavity and their attachment to major arteries and veins.

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced primarily in the kidneys that acts as a critical regulator of red blood cell production, a process known as erythropoiesis.123

The mechanism functions similarly to a thermostat to maintain homeostasis. When the body detects a decrease in the number of circulating red blood cells or a reduction in oxygen transport, the kidneys increase the secretion of erythropoietin into the plasma. This hormone then travels to the bone marrow, where it stimulates and accelerates the production of new red blood cells.123

Once oxygen levels or red cell counts are restored, the production of erythropoietin is suppressed, ensuring that the rate of cell generation precisely compensates for the number of cells lost or destroyed. Because of this vital role, individuals with chronic renal failure often develop anemia due to a deficiency of this hormone.12