What causes a low eGFR when serum creatinine is normal?

[ConfusedAlways]

Female aged 40 and my eGFR is on the low side (70s), but my serum creatinine level as of late has been in the normal range (around 80 umol/L). Is this possible?

If I am not overweight, not diabetic and have normal blood pressure, what else can cause a lower eGFR? In mid-2021 it was in the 90s.

(I am slightly anemic and am taking iron pills, but I think this is a separate issue)

[Sophiebun11]

If your eGFR is above 60 it is not considered low on lab tests. Your creatinine and eGFR are a ratio that figures the number. Yours are both within normal limits.

Is your Dr. concerned or is this just something you noticed on a lab result?

I'd be thrilled to have an eGFR in the 70s. Mine is 22.

Try eating a plant based diet, exercise, avoid NSAIDS, avoid alcohol, and drink lots of water. Have your PCP review any meds you are taking which can affect the kidneys like some heartburn meds, etc.

If you are really worrying, you could ask your Internist for a referral to a Renal Dietician to get a kidney healthy diet.

At this point you probably wouldn't be able to get an appt. with a Nephrologist since you are doing so well.

Best wishes.

[ConfusedAlways in reply to Sophiebun11]

Thanks, Sophie. I know I may be overreacting a bit, but not knowing how to improve something or why it has declined in the first place (especially when everything else is healthy) is a bit frustrating. But your advice is quite sound, not only for kidneys but an overall healthy life. Thank you

[LoveNeroli]

I'm in a similar boat to you. GP says I have stage 2 CKD, my last eGFR was in the 70's and creatinine was 83 umol/L. I'm 50. My white blood count is also consistently low and I am pre-diabetic so I assume that's what caused it. Other than that my blood pressure, weight and other results are normal. GP did not refer me to a nephrologist and I am a bit confused by it all.