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Original poster

Low ferritin and folate impact on mental health?

30 replies

CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 13:59

I’ve felt run down, tired and very anxious for months, basically feeling on high alert.
My concentration is shot and I’m always tired even after 12 hours sleep.

I’ve been having counselling to tackle my anxiety and just put it down to work stress.

It was only after having physical symptoms as well, sore muscles and joints, increased heat rate and a lot of hair loss I went for blood test.

My ferritin is 14 and my folate level 1.9. My heamaglobin and my Vitamin D is good.

I’m wondering if these deficiencies could have caused or exacerbated my anxiety.

If you’ve had low ferritin and folate how did
you feel mentally?

OP posts:
Killerfail · 05/02/2023 15:07

Yes low iron can contribute.
Have you had B12 checked? That can also cause some symptoms.

www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/8-causes-behind-fatigue-anxiety-depression/

Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 15:33

Wow, thanks much for replying and linking the article. It feels validating that there’s a physical reason as well. I have pernicious anaemia so I’m on B12 injections every 12 weeks for life.

My thyroid is still borderline under active too my TSH is 5.1 so medication might be an option there.

Spent so long blaming myself for being anxious and feeling shit.

OP posts:
Whataretheodds · 05/02/2023 15:37

Is your vitamin D good, or just not low? I think there's a big difference between the lower and upper range of non-deficient

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General health
Whataretheodds · 05/02/2023 15:38

Also, how much daylight are you getting?

Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 15:58

My vitamin D level is 70 from my NHS it says 25-50 is deficient. I have been on high strength Vitamin D tablets for a year.

I must admit I don’t get that much daylight especially in the winter months. I’ve mainly been working and trying to get through the day without a nap!

OP posts:
cleowasmycat · 05/02/2023 15:59

HRT? Who old are you?

rosesarentalwaysred125 · 05/02/2023 16:02

TSH of 5.1 is hypothyroidism.
Get the Gp to check you for thyroid antibodies, the most common type of hypothyroidism is hashimotos which is an autoimmune condition. Makes
you feel tired, anxious, depressed and achey. Amongst other things.

Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 16:05

I’m 31. My periods are heavy but regular. No previous pregnancies either. My PMS symptoms have been horrendous over the last few months.

I’ve had low ferritin in 2018 and 2020 but I E never stuck to iron tablets long enough to boost my levels that much.

OP posts:
Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 16:13

rosesarentalwaysred125 · 05/02/2023 16:02

TSH of 5.1 is hypothyroidism.
Get the Gp to check you for thyroid antibodies, the most common type of hypothyroidism is hashimotos which is an autoimmune condition. Makes
you feel tired, anxious, depressed and achey. Amongst other things.

Oh is hypothyroidism under active? I’ll see if I can get a phone appointment with a doctor. I’m wondering if it’s a combination of everything.

Doesn’t help that I’m really nervous around anything medical. Even just having the blood test felt like a big step.

OP posts:
Swimswam · 05/02/2023 16:15

Yes my ferritin was 13. Ar your Levels you are almost empty.
I felt very tired and low and unmotivated and sad. Very Heavy Periods + anemic = it’s harder to clot so periods are heavy and so around in a vicious circle.
Please get an iron infusion if you can. It will change your life - in a good way! It can take a long time to boost with Iron Tablets - need to be taken w Vitamin c

Farindes · 05/02/2023 16:18

Look up the MTHFR gene - its quite common and causes problems processing b vitamins. If you're going to supplement take methlyfolate and methylated b vitamins not folic acid as this is synthetic

Farindes · 05/02/2023 16:25

methyl-life.com/blogs/mthfr/mthfr-and-anxiety

Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 16:27

That’s interesting I did think I might have an issue absorbing vitamins/ nutrients.

OP posts:
Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 16:37

Swimswam · 05/02/2023 16:15

Yes my ferritin was 13. Ar your Levels you are almost empty.
I felt very tired and low and unmotivated and sad. Very Heavy Periods + anemic = it’s harder to clot so periods are heavy and so around in a vicious circle.
Please get an iron infusion if you can. It will change your life - in a good way! It can take a long time to boost with Iron Tablets - need to be taken w Vitamin c

Everything does feel like a massive effort. It’s making more sense now why the physical ‘anxiety’ symptoms haven’t reduced.

Thanks! I’ll ask again about an infusion. I know when my ferritin was 9 the GP said I wasn’t eligible but this may have changed. Feeling better sounds amazing I’m willing to try anything!

OP posts:
Reluctantadult · 05/02/2023 16:40

Yes definitely. My ferritin iron was 5. My main symptom I rang the doctor about was just kept crying and felt so low!

Supersimkin2 · 05/02/2023 16:41

Your anxiety is caused by three physical problems.

That lot above will make you feel ghastly. I’ve had all three simultaneously too, not nice.

They’re all fixable - you’ll be amazed how much better you feel once the meds start to work. Takes about six weeks, so get on with that GP appt.

Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 16:43

Sorry to hear others have felt awful from this too. I can’t imagine how bad being at 5 would have felt. Can I ask how long did it take to feel better with tablets?

I imagine an infusion might work quicker?

OP posts:
Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 16:46

@Supersimkin2 that feels so reassuring to hear. Thank you! You when you just don’t feel right but are not really sure why. Glad I got the blood tests done now! I’ll give the doctors a call in the morning.

OP posts:
Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 18:26

Thanks so much everyone for all of the helpful replies.

OP posts:
BMrs · 05/02/2023 18:33

My ferritin levels were low, I had it tested as I was losing a lot of hair. I am taking high strength iron tablets alongside vit c to help absorption and my hair is growing back after 3 months. My dermatologist said ferritin must be at least 70 to maintain healthy hair.

I'm also under active thyroid which I medicate.

Not sure it's effected my mood though tbh but no idea how long it's been this way

Buttalapasta · 05/02/2023 18:59

Following. My ferritin was 11 last time it was measured and I can't seemto increase it much but apparently it's not bad enough for an iron infusion and my anxiety is awful.

Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 20:10

Sorry you’re feeling this way too. Do tablets help at all?
Would getting an infusion privately be an option?

OP posts:
Spooce · 05/02/2023 20:57

I’d recommend joining iron deficient/low ferritin/anemia support and awareness group on fb, it’s great

Original poster
CapitanSandy · 05/02/2023 21:00

Thanks @Spooce

OP posts:
Spooce · 05/02/2023 21:01

No problem; my ferritin is 5.5 and it’s been a lifesaver for me!

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