Anyone else whose had very low ferritin in the past

[What2do2]

About a year ago a blood test came back to show I had extremely low ferritin levels ( 3)!!! I started taking slow release iron tablets and periods got a good bit lighter and I felt better. I had repeats bloods done a few months later and the levels had gone back up to normal.
I’ve been lax about taking the iron again , no reason , just ran out a while ago . I’ve started do feel really tired recently. I’ll get bloods again soon when I can get an appointment but do plp who have had these problem have to keep taking iron etc forever? I have a good diet , plenty of greens leafy veg, meat etc ... I did have heavy periods and have always had since adolescences which I believe caused the low levels and they have improved since taking the iron. Any insights appreciated!

I had very low iron and ferritin during pregnancy, so low I had to have iron infusion before I had CSection. I have endometriosis and had very heavy blood loss monthly. After DS was born I had Mirena coil fitted, no more periods and ferritin and iron levels have remained normal since.
I tried all forms of iron supplements during pregnancy but they were causing gastritis and preventing absorption of the iron so iron levels dropped while taking them.

Thanks for the info. I didn’t realize they might not be absorbed properly. The thing is despite big improvements with my periods o didn’t get that boost of energy I was expecting especially after the fact that the levels were so, so low. I often feel low energy ... it’s so hard to know though as have three young kids , part-time job so feel tired all the time really but not sure if it’s just normal. I do exercise too.

Do you know your blood type? When I was pregnant one of the midwives told me that blood groups A/B/AB were much more susceptible to anaemia so if you are one of those blood groups it could be playing a part

I had very low ferritin (6) caused by coeliac disease, had iron infusions, then caused again by very heavy periods in peri menopause, had periods stopped with ablation (coil didn't suit me) had more iron infusions and it's been fine since. I sympathise, low iron made me feel awful

I really wish they’d suggested iron infusions as I wonder if the iron tablets are enough , then again if my levels increased they must have been working..
Interesting re blood types too. Will book an appointment soon.
I don’t know.... I find it very full on being with the kids 24/7, there’s very little childcare here due to covid and they finish school v early in my country and long holidays here (3+months during summer ) ..
I’m quite introverted so often wonder am I just drained from parenting constantly...

I had this too and was diagnosed with coeliac. Just a blood test so I’d check that

A relative I have with low ferritin has had to accept taking iron tablets as a matter of course. As soon as she stops it plummets again, despite eating red meat, dark chocolate and dark green vegetables regularly. Some of them have less unpleasant side effects than the others.