low trans ferritin saturation: I feel very run... - Thyroid UK

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low trans ferritin saturation

ninja1 profile image
19 Replies

I feel very run down I also have low t3 and wonder if my gut is the problem can someone tell me what causes low trans sats please. I feel so tired and run down

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ninja1
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19 Replies
FallingInReverse profile image
FallingInReverse

Previous posts show your thyroid hormone replacement is not yet optimized, causing some of your fatigue for sure.

Can you please provide the results of your full iron panel that includes your transferrin saturation numbers?

The image above looks like you may have uploaded it in error as it’s not relevant to your question.

Let us know.

ninja1 profile image
ninja1 in reply to FallingInReverse

Iron. 10.0. 5.8-34.5

UIBC. 59.3. 24.2-70.1

Tibc 69 45-81

Trans sat low b14.4 20-50

Ferritin 56 13.150

FallingInReverse profile image
FallingInReverse in reply to ninja1

Your iron is low, and in relation your transferrin proteins, that carry that iron around your body to the cells that need it, are not saturated with enough iron. Low iron can cause fatigue.

Has your GP discussed these results with you?

ninja1 profile image
ninja1 in reply to FallingInReverse

No said ok also I have these which they dismissed

Mchc. 301. 320-370

Mch 24.9 27.32

Mcv 82.5. 80-102

Low thyroid no t3

But said ok I feel shocking

FallingInReverse profile image
FallingInReverse in reply to ninja1

Your iron profile is low enough to undertake a sensible supplement plan.

I am not a doctor. I caution that when deciding to start iron supplements, to test a full panel at least every 6-8 weeks as you learn about how your body absorbs iron.

Our bodies have no way to excrete excess iron, and it settles in our organs and causes permanent irreversible damage over time.

Have you taken iron pills in the past? Are you thinking you’d want to start? Let us know if you think you want to consider supplementing, we can share our experience.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply to ninja1

It looks to me like your iron level is too low.

Serum iron is 15% of range.

According to the rt3-adrenals link rt3-adrenals.org/Iron_test_...

• 55 to 70% of the range

• higher end for men

Given that your result is 15% through the range and you are female I would say your result is too low, suggesting that you should supplement iron.

TIBC (total iron binding capacity) or Transferrin

• Low in range indicates lack of capacity for additional iron

• High in range indicates body's need for supplemental iron

Your TIBC is 67% through the range which is on the high side and your transferrin is below range. This suggests that you have the capacity for more iron.

Transferrin Saturation : Your result = below range

• optimal is 35 to 45%

• higher end for men

Your Saturation is lower than optimal suggesting that your iron levels are too low.

Has GP offered an iron supplement? If not you can buy one over the counter.

Many members do well with this iron supplement. Take 4 hours apart from Levo with vit C or orange juice to help absorption.

threearrowsnutra.com/en-uk/...

ninja1 profile image
ninja1 in reply to Jaydee1507

Do they do liquid. I can’t swallow tablets since I had my thyroid removed can I empty capsules like I do anti bioticd

ninja1 profile image
ninja1 in reply to ninja1

Or chewable tablets

FallingInReverse profile image
FallingInReverse in reply to ninja1

Be aware that although it is very easy to pop open a Three Arrows iron capsule - that when iron comes into contact with our tooth enamel it can discolor it.

That being said - it is very easy to open them up - I would just consider either using a straw if you mix with water to bypass contact with teeth, or to brush your teeth after for good measure. You could even sprinkle on your food, but I would be on the lookout for any discoloration over time. I think it’s mostly cosmetic but still 😁

ninja1 profile image
ninja1 in reply to FallingInReverse

Thank you for that info. I have placed an order so defo worth a try. I never do well with tablets it’s all the different fillers that cause me an issue so these are defo worth a try

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply to ninja1

It does say on their website that you can break the capsule and take the powder so that should work for you.

ninja1 profile image
ninja1 in reply to FallingInReverse

Ah yes that upload is urine culture showing infection I just feel so run down started new antibiotic for that. I feel my whole body is closing down I’ve lost a lot of weight over the past year but had a full body scan toilet anything sinister. The main problem is my constipation

FallingInReverse profile image
FallingInReverse in reply to ninja1

Yes - exactly - these have no fillers. It 100% dehydrated beef spleen.

See my reply below for a suggested dosing regiment.

Keep track of what you take and for how long, and plan your next iron panel date for 8-12 weeks max.

Keep your thyroid hormones 3- 4 hours AFTER the iron.

Ps, have you ever taken magnesium supplements? Magnesium is one of the original natural remedies for constipation AND it’s also recommended in general for us hypo folks as well.

ninja1 profile image
ninja1

yes I need to do something my active b12is low 28.6. 37.5-188

I’ve tried a b12 tablet but it made me feel jittery

I do need to take something to up levels I just don’t know what to take it’s a minefield

I would be grateful if you could help me with a plan and I know people are not docs but possibly could advise with their own experiences

ninja1 profile image
ninja1 in reply to ninja1

I sometimes wonder if my gut is not absorbing

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply to ninja1

Has your GP tested you for B12 & pernicious anaemia. Suggest you get those tests run.

Have you been tested for coeliac disease? Ask GP to test you.

Your active B12 is far too low.

Do you eat meat? Are you vegan or vegetarian?

ninja1 profile image
ninja1 in reply to Jaydee1507

I don’t hzve a great appetite but I eat meat znd eggs etc Gp hasn’t done anything she says t3 on thyroid doesn’t mean anything and wasn’t phased by low mch and low Mchc sbd falling Mcv levels I told her Medichecks suggested a mma blood test something to do with something called intrinsic but she said no your not anaemic but my levels are slowly falling over the past six months

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply to ninja1

I'm sure you must be feeling absolutely terrible. Is there someone you can take along to a GP appointment?

Perhaps focus on your vitamin levels for now, both raising them and finding out why your levels are so low.

You could show your GP the note from Medichecks recommending your GP does an MMA test.

Do also insist on a coeliac blood test.

You need to have tests run before starting any supplement for B12 or folate as starting a supplement will spoil your levels for 3 months.

FallingInReverse profile image
FallingInReverse

It’s always a good plan to work on your vitamins and minerals concurrent with your thyroid hormones.

One thing at a time - here’s a suggestion for iron.

Are you able to get these heme iron supplements: threearrowsnutra.com/pages/...

Three Arrows will recommend you could do as many as 3-6 a day.

threearrowsnutra.com/blogs/...

With your very low profile, you could probably do that… as I’ve said before I am very conservative with iron. If you were to take that indicated amount - I’d suggest a full iron panel 6 weeks after you start.

I started by taking two a week, then after a series of 6 week periods when my iron didn’t go over range, I worked up to the two a day I am doing now. It seems to keep me exactly in target for iron and saturation.

Personally - I like to work up to what I need and not risk going over at all… rather than overshoot and need to scale back. That’s just me.

Let me know what you think.

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