Blood test results

[CatteryCatz]

Had my blood test results back. I’ve already been prescribed iron tablets (ferrous fumarate), but what else can I do to improve these results?

It looks to be all iron deficiency, low MCV mild elevated platelets all fit with that picture
once a day iron tablets ( if you can’t tolerate once every other day is sufficient) and look to the cause as well
Depending on age common causes iron deficiency in women are periods ( heavy or not) so controlling these and ensuring diet good in iron foods .
if no periods and good diet tend to ensure no unexpected blood loss bowel or malabsorption eg coeliac disease.
Anaemia tends to correct relatively quickly with oral iron but you need to carry on taking until iron stores are replenished

Thank you for such a detailed response! Yes, I have to have a repeated blood test in 3 or 6 months time to see if there are still any issues.

Is it periods causing it? If so have you considered Mirena? That was the only thing that worked for me. Couldn’t tolerate the iron tablets (tried many types) and Tranexamic acid wasn’t nice either.

Blimey - my GP has booked me in for two iron infusions with a ferritin level of 9! Although I don't absorb iron supplements well due to gastric surgery. How are you feeling, OP?

The issue is that my periods are normal for me, so I don’t really know if they’re heavy tbh. I’ve been instructed to take ferrous fumarate once in the morning and once in the evening.

I’ll look into that, thank you!

Iron tablets take months. So if you’ve not been on them long, give them time

Did the iron infusions help?

I’m not too bad thanks. I think my anaemia was undetected because my symptoms (feeling lethargic and breathless) could be explained by my other health issues (I have depression and severe asthma too.)