LOW FERRITIN/NORMAL IRON LEVELS ADVICE PLEASE

Hi All

I am hypo with high TSH 3.74 (0.22-4.20)

And over range TGO antibodies 280 <115

My main problem is muscle aches, mainly of the vastus medialis - I am a keen cyclist.

Saw my GP today (lovely chap!) and he commented that my low ferritin may be the cause of the aches

So, Here are the medichecks iron results of 20 September

Iron. 16.27. (5.8 - 34.5)

TIBC. 54.97. (45 - 72)

UIBC. 38.7. (22.3 - 61.7)

Transferrin saturation 29.6. (20 - 50)

Ferritin. 64. (30 - 400)

So, what is the best way to increase ferritin and what level should I aim for please?

And, if I do increase my ferritin level to, say, the mid- point, would the other levels go over range and cause problems?

Thank you

Alps Holiday

[JigFettler]

Hi Alps'!

Welcome to the iron overload forum. Most of here are experts in reducing ferritin levels because we have Haemochromatosis.

Having said that - you have normal iron levels.

I don't really know what you are asking. Your Ferritin is fine!

You dont give your Hb levels, Platelets and MCV value which would be useful.

Also your B12 and Folate levels would help.

Your TSH is within range.

In addition to the above the "Trends" for all these results have relevance.

Are you worrying needlessly? You will get no benefit if your ferritin is 60, 300 or 400. The body will self regulate.

I note from your other posts that you have many health worries, muscle ache and an isolate muscle ache. You like cycling.- as I do.

For the identification of muscle ache you need other evaluations. Is it one muscle or indeed all muscles etc Inflammatory markers with help - Your GP would or should have addressed all this.

Hoping you find your answers.

Jig

[Hidden in reply to JigFettler]

Thank you jigfettler for balanced reply

And great to hear you cycle too - keep it up

What sort of cycling do you do?

I do a long sunday ride of 60m and 2 short easy rides in the garage in the week

My GP was, I think, just having a guess that a higher ferritin would help with the aches?

But, having read your views, I do agree that I am overworrying!

So, shall not continue with the daily 14 mg iron I had thursday and today

And funnily enough, my aches today are the worst I have ever had!

I wonder if the added iron had anything to do with it?

Thanks again!

Alps holiday

[JigFettler in reply to Hidden]

Are you getting pain in shoulders too, headaches, tender scalp when touched or combing hair, difficulty lifting arms up. Are your muscles tender when massaged?

Jig

[Hidden in reply to JigFettler]

Thanks for getting back jigfettler

I don't have any of the things you mention

My main symptom is achy muscles - of which 90% is in the vastus medialis - the cycling muscle!

5% in the lateralis and 5% (very mild) in the upper body - triceps, biceps and traps

None of the other muscles have ever been affected

I can handle the lateralis and upperbody aches, no problem at all, but the medialis is so stiff and stops me doing the activities I enjoy,

lik cycling.

Thanks

[JigFettler in reply to Hidden]

Ok that's good it's not a general muscle problem. But annoying!

So, from one cyclist to another, need the physical therapist that can sort the symptom.

Do you know the cause?

Jig

[Hidden in reply to JigFettler]

No, cause unknown jig

Hopefully when I reduce TSH to 1 the aches will be history

Have had numerous tests,tried countless supplements

All sorts of massage - nothing helped!

I see you're into mtb riding , plus lots more, keep it up

Alps

[JigFettler in reply to Hidden]

I am a 63 yr old mtbiker. Have ridden for 3 decades. I now road ride as well.

I have all sorts of aches and pains, numerous injuries, all sorted with mobilisation exercises and sports massage.

Your symptoms need a diagnosis! All successful treatments depends on a correct diagnosis.

Jig