Help me understand- anaemia.

[samsmam]

I gave birth just over 6 months ago and have in the last three months been losing lots of hair and feeling generally tired. I wentto GP and had blood tests and my Hb came back as 12.1 (apparently just within low limit) but my MCV came back at 71% and I think it was my actual iron part was 4 (normal range abov 7??) I now have iron three times a day. Can anyone help me understand if my Hb is ok how am I still anaemic? Sorry if anyone is confused by my rambling question!?

I think MCV is something to do with the size of the red cells. Small cells = less haemoglobin, maybe. Not sure about 'actual iron' though.

My Hb was 8 two weeks ago. Felt proper grim, but much perkier now thankfully. ope you're feeling better soon.

Basically your stores of iron , if you like, are lower than they should be, if left this would eventually show in your Hb, you have a lower amount than normal of immature cells which would then go onto mature a keep your Hb up.

So it was caught early then? I was worried because the doctor was going on about bleeding internally etc. Something to do with MCV! And he never said anything else just take ferrous sulphate three times a day and goodbye! I guess I have nothing really to worry about then just the horrible tablet effects!

Floradix liquid is kinder on your stomach sam if you can get hold of it. I take my iron with a glass of orange juice and loads of prunes and apricots to counteract the constipation.

Also don't drink tea with your meals as it prevents the iron being absorbed.

agree floradix is nicer than iron, although trying a different iron type like ferrous gluconate can be more gut friendly and cheaper.
its your iron storage level that is low..this may explain your hair partly as to be able to produce reasonable hair, should be above 80 the hair specialists say. Although it may also be in part that your hair growth has gone into resting mode- this can happen when you've been ill, stressed or post birth, and will switch back to normal again. I remember that 6 month time when it seemed I was dropping most of mine into the bath as I got out being so upsetting.
Did your doc also check thyroid just in case?