Recent iron results - not sure what to do now

[Becsf]

Hi everyone,

I've recently had an iron panel (NHS) after 10 weeks of supplementing with 1 then 2 x Three arrows per day, as well as taking cacao liquid (as recommended here) in the hope of increasing my stubbornly low ferritin. However I'm not sure how to read the results so any advice very welcome.

Here are the results in date order.

10 April 2024 (this was day 7 of my cycle)

Ferritin - 36

Iron profile:

Iron - 13.1 (6.6-26)

Unsaturated iron binding - 36.2 (24.2 - 70.1)

Total iron binding capacity - 49 (41-77)

Iron binding saturation - 27 (15-50)

30 July 2024 (day 5 of my cycle) (fasting, no iron supplements for 4 days prior, and avoiding iron-rich foods the day before)

Ferritin - 46

Iron profile:

Iron - 21.6 (6.6-26)

Unsaturated iron binding - 21.3 LOW (24.2-70.1)

Total iron binding capacity - 43 (41-77)

Iron binding saturation - 50 (15-50)

In April 2024 I also had a full blood count. Results were:

White cell count - 4.36 (3-10)

Red Cell count - 4.78 (3.95-5.15)

Haemoglobin - 143 (115-155)

HCT - 0.424 (0.39-0.45)

MCV - 88.7 (80=99)

MCH - 29.9 (27-33.5)

MCHC - 337 (320-360)

RDW - 11.8 (11,5-15) %

Platelets count - 241 (150-400)

MPV - 10.1 (7-13)

Neutrophils - 2.30 (2-7.5)

Lymphocytes - 1.61 (1.2-3.65)

Monocytes - 0.38 (0.2-1)

In terms of my thyroid (I have hashimoto's) I switched to NDT in November 2023, climbing slowly to 3.5 grains, and now my levels seem much better, and I also feel much better (v low TSH, high T3 and mid range T4). I have more energy generally, but still sometimes feel fatigued - with low mood and what I call 'walking through treacle' feeling where everything feels like a lot of effort. This used to come directly with my period but now seems only to come after I've been overworking (my work got very busy for a time recently).

I now don't know whether to keep going with the three arrows, at the current dose, or to reduce it, given that my iron levels is at the higher end now. But I know my ferritin is still low, although rising, and I am trying to get pregnant so know this isn't great. I have been trying to eat chicken livers, but the pate I made was inedible! I will try again.

Any advice is very welcome! Thank you so much.

[RedApple Administrator]

Becsf, I'm just commenting on your post to bring it back up the news feed. Hopefully someone able to help will be along soon

[Becsf in reply to RedApple]

Thank you! Fingers crossed someone can help.