Iron deficiency and not conceiving

[hopeful777]

As part of my bloods before being referred to fertility clinic, I asked for an fbc as well (feeling very lethargic and short of breath). Anyway, that came back as anaemic (Hb 76) and a very low ferritin. Am on ferrous fumarate tablets three times a day but it is a struggle and have been wondering if that’s been affecting my ttc journey (trying for first since July).

just wondering if anyone has either conceived with iron deficiency anaemia or found that taking supplements improved their chances and then conceived?

Hi @hopeful777 I was wondering how you were getting on? I have been trying for almost 2 years and also recently found out I have anaemia. The doctor told me it wouldn’t be affecting my fertility but I can’t help but wonder…

I am borderline anaemic and remember reading somewhere that having serum ferritin lower than 30 can prevent ovulation.

@lemonybiscuits My serum ferritin is lower than 30 but my progesterone at 6dpo was 51.5nmol/L so I definitely ovulate

I have low ferritin and ovulation sticks say I ovulate, but I didn’t do lab tests or scan, so obviously can’t tell 100% 🤔

@allgoodthings84 that sounds like a reassuring result

My progesterone tests (I've had two) have been just less than 30 and just more than 30 so I think I ovulate infrequently

@lemonybiscuits google seems to suggest it doesn’t need to be as high as 30 as certain points of the same day it can be lower or higher so because one was over 30 I would say you ovulate and the other test was taken when your levels were lower.