Any excercise specialists? Anemia….

[njshep]

I have been struggling with anemia for quite sometime but recently it has gotten worse my ferritin levels is 5 and my hemoglobin is 99. This is most likely due to a fibroid (I’m 50) that I am having investigated (and hopefully removed) soon.

Fitness is hugely important to me. I do a lot a lot of strength and cardio training along with running. Does anyone know if this is advised when anemic? I feel like I an not making any gains in my fitness goals despite the effort and wondering if I might be pushing things too far and it backfiring?

Any nurses, doctors, exercise specialists or anyone with experience able to weigh in?

I am in a similar position. I exercise with a personal trainer & get horrendously breathless & don't feel I am actually improving.

ferritin levels is 8 and my hemoglobin is 95

I had anaemia a few years back (heavy periods). From memory my haemoglobin was lower than yours. My GP said it was fine to exercise but to listen to my body, rest when needed and eat well.

I got my iron levels up fast by being very strict with the iron tablets - OJ/satsuma with every tablet and every meal, only one tea and coffee a day and not within 2 hours of meals or iron etc etc (tannins inhibit absorption, vit c helps). The GP was surprised at how fast. My running became much easier and I ran faster. Didn't notice much difference with the strength training - it seemed to be sustained output like running that was affected (I lift heavy so have longish rests).

That's just my experience - I would check if you are worried. And I would really make sure you are getting enough rest, eating well, and training smart. People can overtrain even if not anaemic and if you are not seeing gains despite big effort, it may be sensible to scale back/have a reset/think.