Low Ferritin/Iron - impact on ttc & breastfeeding

[hopeful4us]

Just had my iron levels tested and they've come back as low (22). I've been advised to take an iron supplement for the next 3 months and then get retested.

Context - currently breastfeeding my 9 month old and hoping to ttc #2. Don't feel awful but had a vestibular migraine/headache in October where my vision went, I felt nauseous, dizzy and had fast heartbeat (which prompted the blood test).

Anyone have any experience of low ferritin and advice?

I have this a lot (I have coeliac disease, so issues with absorption). To build your iron stores back up, you need a high dose of ferrous fumarate (at least 210mg) and you should take it for several months. Aim to get your ferritin above 70.

You may need to take lactulose at the same time as the iron tablets, they're well known for causing constipation. This should pass as your body gets used to it. You will also get very dark or grey stools - also normal.