Iron supplements

[Bash86]

Does anyone take iron supplements to help with energy levels? Don't know what the right thing to do is as some endo websites say don't take iron and some say do take iron

[MrsPaddingtonBear]

Hello

If you are extremely tired, have headaches, dizzy spells or and chest pains, you need to get your ferritin levels checked by the GP. Taking too much iron when not needed can be dangerous and lead to blindness and poisoning. I was constantly anaemic for years due to extremely heavy periods. My levels got so seriously low that the hospital rang me after one lot of tests to ensure the doctors had contacted me. I’m currently on the iron tablets again as levels are 1 point above the lowest marker. My problem is no longer periods because I had a hysterectomy last October but now it’s due to not being able to eat correctly as I now have a colostomy due to my womb and bowel being fused and having serious life saving emergency surgery during the hysterectomy. Hopefully that will be reversed soon and then in a year I should be back to normal. Good luck

[Brambledoggy]

I take Spatone (liquid iron supplements) every day but only when I’m bleeding heavily and for a prolonged period. They are gentler on the digestive system and available in a lot of shops. I also make sure I eat a lot of leafy green and cruciferous veg and small portions of organic red meats.

[BloomingMarvellous]

it depends whether you are actually aneamic or not - it’s not wise to take it if you don’t know on a precautionary basis.

Better initially to look at the general diet and see if you’ve enough precursors such as methylated B12 . If there’s an issue there which there can be with inflammation in the gut and increasing age ( as well has gluten sensitivity) then that would be my first thought to try as part of a general BComplex. .

If you are bleeding really heavily on a regular basis then certainly it’s a distinct likelihood you’ll need some help here. I am assuming that you’ve already been to your GP and had screening tests for thyroid, general bloods etc but if you haven’t then I’d recommend it ! Iron isn’t one to just dabble with

[Stitchrunner1]

Endo and heavy periods can deplete your iron. BUT. There are a lot of other illnesses that can do the same. You need a blood test and advise from you medical team. Don't just go in for taking medications on whim. You need to know what is causing the issue before you self diagnose.