iron update

[Pearlteapot]

I posted recently about my iron levels and @radd kindly commented and said I’m technically anaemic despite currently ok haemaglobin but that haemaglobin will fall if I don’t improve my serum iron. I was due to see my GP on Tuesday so waited to see what she would advise.

My GP said haemaglobin is okay and we would review the iron panel at next blood tests in 5-6 weeks but in reality in 8 weeks because I’m going away.  Given how fast my iron has already dropped since March and the hearing loss that I’m experiencing im not inclined to wait 2 months and risk further hearing loss if I can take steps to avoid it. I’m also extremely tired. I realise that could be thyroid but it could also be iron.

I already eat an iron rich diet, including 220g chicken liver most week so I’m assuming that I’m not absorbing.

I see two choices (1) continue iron rich diet and add Vit c supplements with my liver to improve absorption (2) use iron supplements and retest myself in a month to avoid overload.

Any suggestions please or advice on supplements. I see they are tricky

[Chunkeymonkey]

Hi I have under active and my tablets was adjusted recently by gp, as overmedicated.

I was displaying more symptoms again and ask for a full blood test with my usual thyroid test.. the results were my calcium slightly high but my ferritin levels was really low.. my haemoglobulin was ok.. no bleeding from anywhere to explain this.

So now I’m on iron tablets until my next blood test

[Enfrance]

In the past, I used Floradix a liquid herbal extract to increase my ferritin. It was the only supplement that worked for me without upsetting my stomach. I increased my ferritin to the levels I needed at the time and it was a huge blessing! My levels would barely move otherwise with iron supplements.

I read your last post. I would definitely be more aggressive on eating more iron rich foods in addition to the Floradix. I do not think chicken livers some weeks will be enough if your levels are still declining.

[Pearlteapot in reply to Enfrance]

@enfrance - thanks, I'll look at Floridix. I thought self supplementing iron was a risky thing to do but looking at the reviews for Floridix it seems to be totally normal. Do you test regularly to make sure you are not over-doing it?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Pearlteapot]

Self-supplementing isn't the issue. It is blindly supplementing without laboratory evidence.

Yes - regular testing is important. In general, iron only accumulates slowly. So it is not necessary to test frequently. Both checking that you have not gone too far, and that iron levels really are rising, are important.

Floradix seems quite good but is expensive. Around £11.55 a 250 mL bottle in a shop. It appears a standard measure is 20 mL, which represents 12.5 doses per bottle.

[Enfrance]

Yes, I concur with Helvella. I tested regularly and it worked!