Does anyone have low Ferritin Levels (something to do with low iron levels)?

[Jtxx]

[Hidden]

Mine have been showing up just below normal in the past yr. Prior to diagnose in 2010 I was showing below normal levels then and had a mth's supply of iron tablets. I was originally anaemic about 15yrs ago and had iron tablets for a few mths.

Though there seemed no concern about my HB being a point below normal (red blood count) since seeing the hospital consultant latter part of 2010 until end last yr., last mth the GP decided to check the Vit B12 and folate levels as well as ferritin (iron). I knew it wasn't the B or folate, suspected myself tho' I do not have symptons of anaemia like I did 15yrs ago that it was the ferritin. Ferritin is needed for the HB cells so makes sense if one just below what is considered normal, the ferritin is slightly below too.

I've not been given any iron tablets and did speak to the GP about these 2 readings. I had done a bit of my own snooping and found out that it isn't uncommon for women in particular to have a slightly below normal HB reading continually and it can be considered their normal reading, apparently the body adapts to this.

Where the ferritin is concerned with PBC the liver can apparently be deemed in some to be less incapable of storing iron. The GP did say that was possible but he'll continue to note on the repeats. I have had a history of nosebleeds which resulted in 2 cauterisations not so long ago plus I am a woman who has not yet stopped having a menstrual cycle.

[Jtxx in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the reply. Do you think that the low Feritin levels were an indication that you may have PBC or totally separate? X

[Hidden in reply to Jtxx]

Hello once again.

I'm not sure if having slightly low or low ferritin levels is due to PBC tho' it probably is possible given the liver stores iron and in PBC due to the bile struggles that bit more perhaps.

I know that apparently in advanced stages of liver disease iron is supposed to build up so maybe at present it is a bit of an advantage?

I know doctors normally ask the usual questions when someone is showing lower levels of ferritin and HB, if a woman the monthly cycle if one who hasn't yet gone thru the change and there is also diet as a lot of practising vegetarians and vegans can be lower with iron plus there is also that thing of slight chance of internal bleeding. I know over the yrs I have gone through phases of eating mainly vegetarian and I know for me, in my last trimester of pregnancy with my youngest (2nd) child unbeknown to me until long after I had given birth was I informed by the medical profession that I was showing anaemic at the 28wks pregnancy blood test but it was never followed up! So perhaps that is where mine originally stemmed from and now maybe with having PBC it can be that bit more difficult for the body to keep the stores above what is considered normal.

My readings are not that bad at present and I've taken a few steps to try to intake that bit more iron and not via supplements as such (unavoidable when cereals are fortified with them). I recently bought a cast iron small fry pan as I have a Reader's Digest book with various ailments and use of herbs, cautions, etc and on the iron page, states that using cast iron cookware, especially if you almost dry fry tomatoes in one for eg with them being slightly acidic, the tomatoes absorb some of the iron from the pan. I've taken to doing this and then throwing a beaten egg in to make scrambled egg with tomatoes for lunch. Teamed with a glass of fresh juice (ie orange, grape, carrot and even pomegranate (you can use in an orange squeezer, I have a cheap electric one)), the Vit C from the juice apparently helps the3 body absorb iron at the time.

[zipitydoo]

I was found to be really low at the beggining of the year. I think the reading was 9. I was put on iron tablets and it rose to 19 in a couple of months. Had it done again in September and it had risen up to 56. Normal is anything above 10 and below 291. I am going to ask next time I go if I can come off them now and see that happens.

[Hidden]

Mine are very low, and i have been prescribed ferrous sulphate. They think it is to do with perimenopause and heavier periods, although i am now being investigated for autoimmune pernicious anemia, so who knows!!

[wendyh]

my iron level reading was at 6 when the antibodies were found in my blood test. the GP ignored the antibodies and treated the anaemia for 2 years until it reached 21. i then saw a different GP and explained that i still didnt feel any better and they referred me to a gastro who said the positive AMA's was diagnosis of PBC, started taking urso and the iron levels have been fine since.diagnosed Oct 2010 by the way and was going through menopause at the same time.

[Junolee]

My blood hb of 6 landed me in hospital (well I had jaundice too) for 3 weeks in May when I was diagnosed with PBC. I had iron intravenously and then a blood transfusion because I had to have the liver biopsy. I have been on iron tablets twice a day since then until a few weeks ago. My hb has risen to 13.5. That is the highest I've ever been. They ruled out anemia and coeliac disease and primary blood disorders. Hopefully I can keep levels up through diet from now on. Wish you well.

[Jtxx]

Thank you all for your replies. Your information was really helpful. X