Low ferretin level

[Redtractorwontsleep]

I gave birth 14 weeks ago, had my bloods taken on Wednesday as I had seen my GP complaining of heavy periods, and the surgery rang before closing tonight to let me know that the ferretin is 4 and I need to start on ferrous fumarate, picking up the prescription tomorrow. Does anybody know how long the tablets take to work, when will I feel better, when will my bloods be repeated?Thank you

[Snugglepiggy]

Mine had gone down to a shocking 1 several years ago.i'm peri menopausal so older than you by some bit I'm guessing but due to very heavy periods .I still have to take iron to maintain anything like a normal ferritin and am back for further tests next week as I thought my periods were finally ending,but have had lots more bleeding again recently.My problem is that when I start to feel better and less tired I forget /don't take my iron every day.Take yours religiously but realistically expect it to take a good few months to build your ferritin back up when it's dropped so low.You need all the energy you can get with a new baby!

[Redtractorwontsleep]

Thanks for your reply. I am usually rubbish at taking tablets but I'll make sure to take these. Had been feeling awful for a couple of weeks and my hair is falling out at an alarming rate so at least I now know the cause!

[ChristmasJumperWearer]

IIRC it takes about 28 days for the iron to start taking effect.

As you haven't long given birth, I'd advise having a high-fibre diet or drinking prune juice to help with bowel movements!

Also, Spatone is a gentler way to get your iron, might be worth taking that as well, in a glass of orange juice daily.

If your levels are very low, injections are possible, although costly for the NHS, so hard to arrange.

[ChristmasJumperWearer]

It really helps, honestly.