I've had some blood tests done since I started peri-menopause. The symptoms causing me the biggest problems is lack of appetite with brain fog/depression but these symptoms aren't constant but fluctuate. One week I'm buzzing with physical and mental energy and big appetite and another week I have no appetite, no energy and brain fog/depression and wanting to curl up into a ball.
My last TSH result was 3.88mU/L (0.27 - 4.2) range
My last T4 result was 11.6 pmo/L (10.5-24.5) range
Serum Ferritin 12ug/L (up from 8ug/L) (30 - 400)
Other notable results
Red blood cell count 4.84 (3.8 - 4.8)
Red blood cell distribution width ( 16.5% (11.6 - 14)
My biggest priority is to raise my ferritin levels without getting constipation until I get further medical diagonosis. I read on here about BERSERKER Desiccated Beef Liver capsules and wondered if this would be a good source, I currently am taking Ferroglobin capsules but have had to stop because of lack of appetite and they cause constipation.
I would be grateful for any insight on the above.
Many thanks
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Probiotic
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Serum ferritin level is the biochemical test, which most reliably correlates with relative total body iron stores. In all people, a serum ferritin level of less than 30 micrograms/L confirms the diagnosis of iron deficiency.
Never supplement iron without doing full iron panel test for anaemia first and retest 3-4 times a year if self supplementing. It’s possible to have low ferritin but high iron
Test early morning, only water to drink between waking and test. Avoid high iron rich dinner night before test
Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
We have received further information the lab about ferritin reference ranges. They confirm that they are sex dependent up to the age of 60, then beyond the age of 60 the reference range is the same for both sexes:
Males 16-60: 30-400 ug/L
Female's: 16-60: 30-150
Both >60: 30-650
The lower limit of 30 ug/L is in accordance with the updated NICE guidance and the upper limits are in accordance with guidance from the Association of Clinical Biochemists. ‘
You've come to the right place for support and guidance. Admin and forum members have much lived experience of thyroid issues. SlowDragon has given you a lot of information and links to consider.
I would also want to curl up into a ball with a ferritin level of 12ug/L! You probably feel quite symptomatic with such low ferritin. I know how unwell I feel with ferritin in low 30's part of range and the challenge of trying to increase and maintain levels.
As SlowDragon has mentioned many on the forum have had success raising their ferritin with the Three Arrows supplement. You can read some relevant posts as SlowDragon has provided links to them.
I've had some private bloods done. Notable results are:-
T3 2.97
T4 0.87
TSH 7.17
Oestradial 1802
LH 12.2
B12 432
Ferritin venous 47.9
Serum Iron FE 3.99
CRP 65.21
ALT 51.5
eGFR 76.3
I have been bleeding quite heavily and the 3 arrows super heme iron capsules stuff me up with constipation after a few days... I've been eating chicken livers..
I've got a private consultation with a menopause specialist GP at Harley Street on Monday and I had an ultrasound which was clear regarding endo, fibroids, cysts, cancer.
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