Iron levels

[Nogodsnomasters]

Hi, I went to the doctor's regarding frequent headaches, tiredness and some mild dizziness. She felt the headaches were chronic tension ones which I already thought too but to rule out everything I went for an eye test (normal) and a blood test. I rang for my results yesterday and the reception said thyroid normal, b12 normal, folates normal, iron level "a bit low but nothing on here about doctor wanting to see you so not considered an issue". I've never been tested for these things before except thyroid about 10 years ago so I have no idea what levels are considered normal.

I am picking up a copy of the results today after work for my own reassurance. Anyone been told similar, that iron was low but wouldn't be treated? And if so was it the cause of your symptoms anyway?

Thanks

Lots of results like iron and B12 can be low in range so classed as ‘normal’ but leave you feeling very unwell. Getting a copy of the test results and the ranges is a really good idea. It’s worth seeing your GP to discuss medication if you’re feeling unwell from potentially low iron, although they may be reluctant and leave you to self-treat.

Just buy some Floradix tablets yourself.

Here's a copy of the results if anyone knows how to make sense of them? As I don't. Thanks I will definitely buy floradix from Holland and Barrett this week then.

You need a diagnosis first and foremost and I would not accept "normal" when it comes to blood tests.

I would also have a look at the Thyroid UK website, some of your symptoms could relate to issues with your thyroid gland
www.thyroiduk.org/index.html

Looking on Google my thyroid level does seem to be normal. It was more the iron one I was wondering about as can't seem to understand from Google what it should be.

Your ferritin is good; I wouldn't add any more iron into the mix with that level as you seem to be doing well with diet.

Thyroid level is great.

I get iron infusions regularly due to heavy periods. My ferritin level has been down to 6 before. After 1 month on iron tablets it went up to 9. So infusions are the only way to go for me. I get one when it drops below 40. I think you're fine, maybe tweak your diet to include more iron and vit c if you're worried.

Thank you, I don't understand how iron level is actually normal range but it's the transferrin with the exclaimation point beside it that is slightly low. I have no idea what transferrin actually is but from googling it says it's produced in your liver and if your level is low it could indicate infection or cancer! 😢 Normal range is 2-3.5 so I'm only 0.09 low.

If all my results are normal then I really don't understand what is causing the tiredness and dizziness. The headaches I can definitely put down to chronic tension headache as doc thought, but the other symptoms I don't know. I also have other symptoms: developed dry skin on hands, feet, ankles, brittle nails, and gaining weight without changing diet! I'm lost.

Is it possible there's some peri menopause symptoms?

Dry skin etc can be a range of things, even environment.

Do you take any additional vitamins already?

How long has the tiredness and dizziness been going on? Is it possible you be a random virus?

I'm 31 so hoping not peri menopause! The tiredness has been about 18 months, the mild dizziness the last 12 months probably. Dry skin been 18 months as well. Weight gain only been the last 6 months.

I don't take any vitamins and I'm on the mini pill so don't really get periods, once every 3-4 months some spotting/cramps.