Hi I have had low iron for over a year in January 2024 I was experiencing horrific bone pain after I move around actively.
I have lost 9 stone nearly in 2 years by doing very low calorie diet on and off.
When I was 9 stone heavier I had no pain or problems.
When I had blood tests in January I had full blood count ,every routine blood test the NHS give in uk,the test came back OK apart from
Low vitamin D
Low Iron
Low Selenium
My hair has thinned 50 percent ,I'm very pale and my chest hurts when I'm stressed which is alot as I'm currently studying a qualification for 3 years so if I fail it's alot of pressure on me etc.
I have even given no help from my doctor at all,he said you would need to go private if you want investigate as nhs guidelines don't permit this.
I've been taking 4000 up vitamin D a day,but I've got low vitamin d2 and d3 along with the low iron and Selenium and I've read online if your low on one thing it just won't work.
I don't even though if I'm taking vitamin d2 or d3 ,it just says vitamin D
I'm very lost and I feel as if I've got a underlying problem as I have unexplained bruising for 2 years now but the bruises are only on my legs no where else.
They are the size of my hand and appear from no where
My aunt has myeloma blood cancer and my mum has lupus.I know people say it don't relate to families however there seems to be a issue with bloods.
Can anyone help me in any direction, I would love to go private for deeper blood tests or anything however it will be expensive, I'm looking to have a specific test that maybe could solve this ?
I have read about Vitamin D IV and Selenium IV
I'm worried as don't want this to develop into an illness untreated as its been 3 months now and my hair is falling out even more.
I told the doctor and he said your hair looks fine
I'm 28 and lost 9 stone if that's make any difference,I'm worried about infertility too.
Any advice tablets ,tests or anything would help.
Thank you
Written by
HannahTayl28
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Hannah, you’ve come to the right place! Your story is very familiar in many ways to many of us here. We can definitely help with guidance, shared experience, and generally to support you as you explore why you are feeling so bad!
First question - it’s helpful to share full blood test results, because even though doctors always assume “in range” is “ok” - when it comes to thyroid, it’s not always ok at all. So please share what you have, including the ranges.
So from a thyroid perspective, and iron as well here are the blood tests we recommend.
A compete picture of your thyroid health comes from these tests:
1) TSH
2) Free T3
3) Free T4
Plus these vitamins
4) ferritin
5) folate
6) B12
7)Vit D3
****Consistently test all at the same time, around 9 am is best if you can. Fasting before. No biotin for 3-5 days before. Wait a full 6-8 weeks after a dose change ****
These should be tested to see if an autoimmune cause to any thyroid issues can be identified:
1) TRab
2) TSI
3) TPOab
4) TGab
Finally, an iron panel generally consists of:
-Iron
-Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
-Transferrin saturation
-Ferritin (note - also in thyroid panel)
-High Sensitivity CRP (CRP-hs)
but also could include transferrin, and UIBC.
You’ll get lots of great input here! Let us know any and all questions you have. Welcome!
Also Hannah, I should have mentioned just one thing also. My daughter (17 years old) had the same kind of bruising you describe and it ended up being iron anemia with an almost non existent Ferritin (it was about 5) and under range iron.
Please do share all your blood test results and we can advise on some next steps for you to get some of this sorted!
I don't even though if I'm taking vitamin d2 or d3 ,it just says vitamin D
I don't know if this will help.
Check the ingredient lists for :
Ergocalciferol which is Vitamin D2
Cholecalciferol which is Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is a better supplement than Vitamin D2.
Most D3 supplements are sourced from animal products e.g. the lanolin from sheep's wool. If you are vegetarian or vegan you might prefer Vitamin D3 which is sourced from lichen. It has only become available in recent years but there are plenty to choose from on Amazon, and probably other sites selling vitamin D.
Remember that vitamin D in excess can become toxic so regular testing is essential. Once you've got your level to optimal you might need a maintenance dose to keep your level where you want it.
You should be aiming for a level of 100 - 150 nmol/L. Personally I get no benefit if my levels go above 100 nmol/L but some people feel better at higher levels.
Just as an example of what you need to learn :
When I take vitamin D at 1000 iU per day, my levels in testing drop.
When I take vitamin D at 2000 iU per day, my levels stay fairly stable.
When I take vitamin D at 4000 iU per day, my levels rise (slowly).
It would be helpful if you could learn your equivalent doses for this.
Let's suppose you need 5000 iU to make your levels actually rise, and when your level is optimal you might find that a dose of 3000 iU keeps your levels stable, you might find that taking 5000 iU 3 or 4 days a week will maintain your levels.
I find that knowing these things about my supplements is helpful in saving money.
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