Okay, so this isn't entirely related to thyroid I know. But I have low iron as well as Hashimotos.
Is it okay for a 16yo to have an iron infusion? My mum had one about a month ago and said it was really good but am I too young? I heard something about getting reliant on infusions but it would just be a once off.
My ferritin is 11 and meant to be 20-something (can get exact results later).
hollygrace99 Why aren't you seeing your doctor about this? It's not something you should be considering organising yourself. With a level of 11, below the bottom of the range, you should be having tests to see if you also have iron deficiency anaemia, which will also require treatment. See your doctor about this.
Yes I have seen them, earlier today. They said to take iron tablets or the infusion. I just wanted to double check with you all that it is okay to do so.
If you have a choice - go for the infusion. It will fix your problem instantly. Iron tablets are very slow.
I'm not aware of an age issue with iron infusions - I'm sure that your age would be irrelevant if you needed one.
Iron isn't addictive in any shape or form, however it gets into your body - via food, tablets or an infusion. If your body doesn't absorb iron well then infusions may be something you have to get used to.
Personal anecdote:
There are probably quite a few reasons for being unable to absorb iron, but I found a way of overcoming whatever my own problem is. I had to go 100% ruthlessly gluten-free to get my levels up. I was never offered an iron infusion and had to rely on iron tablets. My iron and ferritin and other iron-related test results improved very, very, very slowly for about 18 months, with me supplementing with prescription-strength iron tablets the whole time. And after that 18 months my levels still weren't optimal. But then I went gluten-free and there was finally a sudden improvement. After another 3 months or so I finally got my levels optimised. I still have to supplement, but at a lower level than before, to keep my levels up where I want them.
You and your mother should investigate whether or not you might have coeliac disease before trying gluten-free. There are blood tests for the condition that your doctor should do, but full testing would involve having an endoscopy and gut biopsies as well as blood tests. I don't know under what circumstances the full works get done. I suspect most doctors think the blood tests are enough.
By the way, I don't know what the 20 is that you refer to. If you are referring to getting your ferritin up to 20, then it isn't high enough (assuming you are referring to standard UK units of measurement), although your doctor may think it is. Most of us on this forum feel best with ferritin around halfway through the reference range or a little bit higher), and the narrowest reference range I've seen in the UK is 13 - 150. In that range a level of 20 is still scraping the bottom of the barrel.
I've been on gluten free but not 100%. Pretty much just eat GF if there is the option but if I'm really hungry I'd just grab a quick snack with gluten in it.
Will try to get better with that.
Thank you so much for your advice.
I did coeliac screening (just bloods) and I am not coeliac.
Hi hollygrace i am celiac been diagnosed with 2 blood tests and it has to be done 100% i dont have a choice has it damages the stomach. I also have a very low ferritin range but trying to increase mine with tablets and eating lots of iliver and vegs, go for injections if you can, i adked my gp and he refused and said do ut with tablets and he did say that the injections do scar the stomach not that im bothered as im 47 and not going to go out in a bikini top and hot pants!!😊goid luck.
Injection in the stomach? I thought infusions were in the arm? Are you talking abotu something else?
Ha. Thats what the doctor said to me, i wonder if he meant scarring internally?? I will google it.xx
Hi hollygrace apparently they can go anywhere depends whether they inject by vein or muscle and there are side effects as there are with everything, check info out further if you are concerned. Got advice from webmed but i would ask people on here or the PA site.xx
Yep mine would be through the arm but GP wants to put me on tablets instead. I have been and not working but trying one last round of a different brand. Hoping it works as it is really affecting me.
Ive asked 2 gps and both have said no but you could always try pushing your luck again and biting the bullet so to speak. I take solgars gentle iron only 20mgs and yep they are taking ages, months ive been told even though doc said 2 weeks, that proves how much they know about vitamins and thyroid. Seaside susie is very knowledgable on supplements you could message her.xx
Iron infusion
Iron deficiency anaemia
Iron deficiency and thyroid 
Why won't the NHS give me an iron infusion?
Hashimoto PA and iron deficiency
