Anaemia advice?

[thefirstmrsdewinter]

Last test results were 19 (lab range 10-390). Bucketloads of 'gentle iron' isn't helping apparently. The horse tablet kind makes me nauseated. Perimenopausal heavy periods won't be helping (tranexamic acid keeping that under control now).

I have a really good diet, loads of fresh green veg every day and I cook in an iron pan when possible but I drink too much milky tea which I suspect is impairing my iron absorption. I doubt I will be able to stomach a lot of liver.

I took an unplanned break from the supplements due to travel and I'm really feeling on the floor with fatigue, breathlessness, fluttery heart, feeling faint etc. I've got a blood test coming up in two weeks.

Has anyone managed to get on top of this? Do you live on tablets?

Are you experiencing symptoms of anaemia? I assume this is ferritin level. My levels have been regularly around 10 but it's only when it went under that I was considered anaemic, 19 would have been considered fine but we're all different.

Yes, were you able to get on top of it or are you always low in range/below range?

Fatigue, breathlessness, fluttery heart, feeling faint, hair loss etc are symptoms. I'll see when I have the blood test if it is still low in range (gp not interested, not calling it anaemia as it is indeed within range as you say). It was 19 after taking bottles of iron supplements which seems a lot of effort and expense for barely any payoff and no relief of symptoms. Not sure if there's another option aside from the proper dose, which makes me feel ill.

Ferrous sulphate is easier on the stomach than ferrous fumerate. I had to ask to swap. Have it with orange juice (for vit C).

There are different formulation of iron - some are more easily absorbed than others and have less side effects. My gynaecologist recommended ferramax rather than the big standard over the counter ones. He also suggested taking a laxative to counteract side effects!

@prettymess good to know, I might change to that so I can take more. I take it with a vit c capsule to improve absorption.

@Taytotots that product seems to only be available in Canada. It looks like it might be a bit like Floradix, a natural supplement.

I used to have a regular ferritin of 4 or 5 alongside a normal to high end Hb , I cannot tolerate any iron supplements or tablets and the only thing that sorted it out was stopping my periods which I did with a Mirena coil .

No it's no floradix (I take that too). It's a medically prescribed polysaccharide complex iron tab. Yes sorry not UK but I'm sure pharmacist could advise on equivalent.

One thing I found was black pudding. The thought of it makes me feel ill but if you fry it a bit, crumble it up and add to gravy/stews/bolognaise and blend you would never know it is there (and actually makes the sauces richer tasting)