Vit D and Ferritin

[MissDuke]

Hi all

I have been feeling awful for some time now. Low mood, no motivation, achy, have been unable to do my normal exercise which has led to significant weight gain, ridiculously tired. I feel like I have a mild flu ALL of the time. It is so frustrating! I used to be out everyday with the children. Now I go nowhere

Had some bloods done at last (couldn't even motivate myself to do that until now

Thyroid results look good -
TSH 1.98 (0.27 - 4.20 mIU/L)
T4 Total 98.6 (64.5 - 142.0 nmol/L)
Free T4 13.44 (12 - 22 pmol/L)
Free T3 4.45 (3.1 - 6.8 pmol/L)

Vitamin D not so good -
17 (

[MrsJayy]

A supplement won't do any harm what did the GP say?

[MrsJayy]

I am being investigated for fybromoralgia (spelling) I have the same symtoms as you also i have chronic pain.

[MrsJayy]

I have chronic fatigue it drives me nuts

[MissDuke]

I have wondered about fibro too Mrs Jayy although the GP didn't suggest it. Just said the bloods would be the initial step. I guess maybe I need to sort the vit D and see from there. She was quite dismissive in general, didn't really think the low vit d would cause me to feel so awful yet didn't suggest any other investigations

[curvyfrog]

I had my Vit D bloods back today and they were slightly higher than yours at 20. So very low and needing treatment.

I've had severe tiredness, fatigue, skin problems and brain fog. Both my sisters recently tested extremely low too and they have started on 3200 dose a day of prescribed supplement.

They have their bounce and zing back already. Vit D deficiency, especially over a time can cause these symptoms.

Hopefully your GP will prescribe and you'll get in top of it in about 12 weeks all being well.

[curvyfrog]

The amount you'll need to correct such a deficiency sadly cannot be consumed through diet or through over the counter supplements. They are just too weak. Hopefully you'll get treatment soon.

[MrsJayy]

It has taken me years Missduke was a Gp who suggested it might be that I am getting the blood test you have just had keep at the Drs

[QueenieGoldstein]

I have a severe Vit D deficiency (test came back as 4, yep that's right 4) and am on high strength tablets daily for life now (10,000 miu).

I'm a classic red head who has to cover up fully in any sort of sun and use a high SPF. Before my deficiency was diagnosed I was told I had CFS, since being on the tablets nearly all of my symptoms have improved if not disappeared.

[Bebraveagain]

Definately need a high dose vit D and ferritin to get levels to optimum. Also keep an eye on thyroid levels as FT4 and FT3 are both low in range. Just worth noting the levels as if they drop much further, and TSH rises, it could indicate a decline in thyroid function.

[MichaelSheensNextDW]

What they said ^^

[Pleasemrstweedie]

OP, that ferritin needs to be at least mid range and preferably around 100 to be optimal, vitamin D around 100 also and vitamin B12 and folate towards the top of their reference ranges.

Also, although your TSH looks good, your FT4 is very low in range, and your FT3 could be higher, possibly because your vits and mins are low and possibly because your pituitary is not stimulating your thyroid as it should.

All this is fixable, but it requires an organised approach and some money bring thrown at it. This is where I was in 2010. I'm fine now.

[sunnyhills]

AFAIK you shouldn't take iron and Vit D together because it inhibits vit D absorption - so spsace them out .

[esk1mo]

my ferritin has climbed from 11 to 21 and i still feel pretty bad, so id definitely aim for 50. i dont know my vitamin D levels but i take supplements. for vitamin D3 i use Solgar liquid drops 2500iu (you can buy on amazon) and they have really made a difference.

take your iron with vitamin C and dont drink tea around the time you take the supplement. also get some nice rare steak on your plate!

[MissDuke]

Thank you so much for all the responses, I really appreciate it!!!

Very interesting info. I do indeed have heavy periods. I don't have a restricted diet as such but don't really like red meat so tend to eat chicken and fish. Might try to do roast beef every week as thinking the kids eat the same as me so might be deficient too

That is interesting about the thyroid. There is a strong family history of thyroid problems so I have always wondered if I will get it so I guess it is worth getting it repeated in a while.

Thanks also for the advice about how to take the tablets. I am getting a prescription tomorrow for the vit d but not sure what dose it will be. Not giving me anything for iron, I have spatone in the cupboard that I have taken on and off, will get better about taking it and have a look at alternatives.

Queenie it is reassuring to hear you felt better after supplementation - 4 You must have felt awful!
Thanks again everyone.

[EllenRipley]

Your ferritin is definitely low, even though it's in the accepted range 'range', so that with your vit D deficiency will make you feel pretty awful. Get supplementing! I'm sure you will see a big improvement.