Can someone advise me on what an iron deficiency level is?

[PenelopeP1tstop]

I think I'm deficient but can't quite interpret my results.

Transferrin saturation index 15

Serum transferrin 3.58

Serum iron 11.8

Serum ferritin 5.4

Do I need to supplement and if so, how much?

Thanks

Has your doctor contacted you after the test was taken?
They can prescribe iron in different forms once they've looked at the results, sometimes they appear on the gp app before a doctor has seen them.

It looks like your iron (ferritin) is low, the normal range for a woman is 10 to 204. So usually your GP would prescribe iron tablets, usually ferrous fumarate (which you can buy from a chemists, cheaper if you don’t get free prescriptions/pre payment card)

@swapsicles not been contacted: just a line on the results to say 'low ferritin confirms iron deficiency' and another line saying to consult with GP on next routine telephone appointment ... which I wasn't aware was a thing

@MadisonMontgomery that's helpful thank you: I wouldn't know what ones to buy!

Ranges for ferritin vary from place to place. Ours starts at 15, for example. You really need to be about half way through the reference range.

To raise your levels through iron tablets is going to take ages, so,it would be worth asking about a referral for an infusion.

Good luck

@NaToth I don't think I'm at transfusion levels! It's my ferritin which is 5.4, not my HB

Why were you tested? Just get in touch with the Gp and see what they say. Low levels can be an indicator of other issues so it's worth the GP being in the loop just in case.

What's the range for ferritin where you are? I would be surprised d if 5.4 was not under range.

Trasferrin saturations and ferritin are both low, showing you are iron deficient. All labs have different normal ranges, our normal ranges are transferrin saturations 20-50 and ferritin 15-300.

In terms of supplementing it can be oral if tolerated, i.m injections or infusion.
The other thing is what’s causing the deficient?
Either poor intake, poor absorption or loss.
Loss is the commonest cause in menstruating women