Normal ferritin with low plasma iron result. Do I need to take iron or not

[carer999]

I posted results here 2 weeks ago as had been feeling bad for some time

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

The GP didn't want to do anything about low iron or high ESR results

1. Plasma iron level 10.0 umol/L [10.7 - 32.2] Below reference limit

2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 20 mm/h [0.0 - 7.0] Above reference limit

At that time my result for Plasma total iron binding capacity was 52 umol/L [40.0 - 70.0]

I have now been tested for ferritin, retest of ESR and as she agreed to increase my levothyroxine from 62.5 to 75 she also tested this even though by the time of the test I had only been taking the higher dose for a week so not sure if the result has any value.

Serum ferritin level 116 ug/L [11.0 - 307.0]

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 16 mm/h [0.0 - 7.0] Above reference limit

Plasma TSH level 0.58 mu/L [0.3 - 5.6] (Previously 1.82 mu/L, 2 weeks before)

As I have low plasma iron with "normal" ferritin does that mean I need some iron or not. I am trying to get armed before I see the doctor to discuss the results as I am getting desperate for some improvement in my health.

[ladytelita]

I am no medical person so please take that into account. It would suggest, from the results you have given, that you have iron deficiency anemia and inflammation markers in your blood. The fact that your ferritin levels are well within range is a little odd in my opinion (maybe someone else can explain why). I am sure your gp will be able to explain it all far better than I can. I found a couple of sites with some info in regards to your results which may help.

medicineshoppe.ca/en/articl...

healthline.com/health/esr

Hope you find out soon the reasons for your results.

P.

[Marymary7 in reply to ladytelita]

Good links, thanks.

[JOLLYDOLLY]

Hi carer999,

My sister had a similar result, When I challenged her GP (I was her carer), he did confirm that her ferritin levels were on the low side of normal and he "reluctantly" put her on a low dose of iron. She was fine after that. I would ask your GP what your results were, because it is likely at some point that you will need a supplement.

I was iron deficient for a long time due to being a lady (say no more), but I am no longer deficient in iron. But need the jabs for my B12 and PA.

Ironically, B12, PA and iron deficiency does run in the family.