Some advice on low iron

[23Elisha]

Hi I just been recently told by my Doctor I'am iron deficient but without Anaemia. My ferritin level was 9 u/gl my symptoms before this and still are light headeness, fuzzy head, extreme tiredness, headaches. (I have heavy mentraul cycles) I have been put on iron tablets 4 weeks ago and I can see a slight improvement but my symptoms still persist not fully gone away. I had a re test of my ferritin and it's gone from 9 to 22 u/gl in 4 weeks , which is good I think? But is that enough for me to be feeling still all the symptoms is there a certain level of ferritin I should have and feel very much better? I just want to know is it normal that I'm still feeling symptoms even though it's slowly risen my ferritin levels?

Thanks for checking my post out

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi 23Elisha.

It can take three to four months to full the full benefit of iron supplements so yes, it is still possible to experience symptoms of iron defiance anaemia after four weeks of treatment (9ug/L was very low).

The good news is that your ferritin levels are raising and will continue to do so if you keep taking the iron supplements prescribed by your GP.

We're all different so it's not easy to quote an 'optimal' level for ferritin (and ferritin is only one marker for iron deficiency aneamia - full iron panel is better to show full iron status). I always feel best if I can keep my ferritin levels at 80 or above - but that’s just what works for me - some will be perfectly fine at levels lower than that.

Your GP should check your ferritin levels three to four months following treatment and perhaps consider doing a full iron panel if you’re still having symptoms. They can then advise if further ongoing maintenance treatment is necessary...which may be the case considering your heavy menstrual cycles.

Good luck...hope your symtpoms settle soon 👍

[23Elisha in reply to Foggyme]

Thank you...Maybe I'm just in patient I assumed taking the iron tablets prescribed by the GP for 4 weeks my symptoms would all

Disappear and they have eased just not all gone away. The lightheadness is the most annoying thing right now x

[Marz]

I have read that taking VitC can aid the absorption of iron - take with each dose. I have also read Ferritin is good mid-range. Eating liver once a week should help - or black pudding ! - yummy in an omelette with mushrooms 😊 A Full Iron Profile would be helpful. There are lots of different iron supplements so hope you have one that suits ..

I am not an expert on iron and my comments are gleaned from others who know more than me ... 😊

[23Elisha in reply to Marz]

Thank you for info...and yeah I take a vitamin tablet with my iron x

[Marz in reply to 23Elisha]

VitC ? - or a multi-vit ?

[23Elisha in reply to Marz]

I started taking a b complex as my b12 was low, I take one in the morning with breakfast and then mid morning (2 hours after b complex vitamin) I take my first iron tablet and a vitamin c 1000mg tablet together ... I'm prescribed iron 3 times a day so I take the other 2 doses later afternoon and evening x

[Marz in reply to 23Elisha]

Sounds good 😊 Hope you soon feel well ...

[23Elisha in reply to Marz]

Me too thank you I'll never under estimate low vitamins and iron how it can affect you x