any advice on 6ug/L serum ferritin

[Hazel1010]

hello , I’ve not been diagnosed with pernicious anemia but wondered if anyone could offer some hep

I’ve been complaining to the doctors for ages bout tiredness, loss of balance etc and after a recent blood test I had a call to say my iron level was very low , with out any other symptoms the doctor wants me to have a colonoscopy although I had a negative result for bowel cancel a few months ago and have no other indication of bleeding etc

I admit my diet for months had been a disaster no wonder I’m low in everything 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ve come to my senses and have rectified my diet with iron rich food , taking supplements from the doctor etc and I wanted to see if I could sort this myself

I appreciate you are not necessarily doctors out there but life experience is often a real help , so any help please

[Nackapan]

Has your folate and b12 levels been tested too?If you think it's diet related ,all you are now doing should get your levels up to give relief to some of your symptoms.

Indeed a colonoscopy might give more information.

I'm glad your doctor working with you.

Things need to be ruled out .

[FlipperTD]

Hi. Scientist, not medic.

Sounds like you have a good GP. Virtually the only way to become deficient in iron is through blood loss. Insufficient iron in your diet can eventually do it as well, but blood loss is the first thought, and a colonoscopy is a good place to start. Stick with it. Iron-rich foods are a better solution than iron supplements.

I hope you'll be improving quite soon.

[Rexz]

Hi Hazel, I gree with Nakapan and FlipperTD. Causes of low Ferritin areChronic blood loss through ulcer, tumor, heavy menstruation.

Chronic inflammation: such as Autoimmune Gastritis/PA, as just like when fighting a virus or bacterial infection inflammation due to autoimmunity causes your immune system to sequester iron. It normally does this to kill irys as they need iron to reproduce. See my post on Iron Deficiency Without Anemia (IDWA)

Hypo or Achlorhydria: gastric acid is necessary for the absorption or iron. Hypo/achlorhydria can be the result of advanced state of AIG/PA or prolonged (over three years) use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI).

Personally I have zero oxyntic mucosa (acid producing Perietal cells), zero gastric acid, an not able to absorb iron so I've a terrible time with iron and occasionally have to have it topped off with an iron infusion. As my post on IDWA shows the normal levels of serum Ferritin are not a valid marker for people with my condition. A full TIBC iron panel is in order. My doctors keep my ferritin above 100 versus the normal low for make is 30.

I also highly recommend sticking with the colonoscopy. If they find nothing there they may then do an upper GI Endoscopy or called Gastroscopy in UK.

So many low iron symptoms overlap those of PA or hypothyroid which I have so it's hard to sort which is causing what.

Heart palpitations, fatigue, brittle nails, and my tell take sign of when I get low on iron is restless leg syndrome. Yeah it's a real thing when I'm low and I lay down at night my legs are wanting to move and thrash around all over the place.

Hope this helps some. Rexz

[Ghound]

Hi Hazel, Yes, definitely have the colonoscopy and any other tests your doctors advise.If no other cause is found for the low ferritin, continue with your healthy diet, but also keep an eye on your general health.

Iron deficiency can slowly creep up on you, until suddenly you realise you're feeling terrible !

Over several years I had many episodes of unexplained low ferritin levels.

In my case it turned out to be a precursor to B12 deficiency.

Be aware of B12 deficiency symptoms so you can recognise them if they occur in the future.

If I'm not careful, I can still drift into iron deficiency anaemia.

Hope you feel better soon, best wishes x