Ferritin level 14 ug/L

[summertimerolls]

...is this why I've been feeling absolutely knackered all the time, and can't be arsed to do anything, ever?

I've just seen my blood test results, but haven't yet had a follow up with the GP and wondered if anyone could shed light on this particular result. I've been iron deficient before, but a long time ago and I can't remember what the level was then. The results say a normal range is between 13-150 so while it's at the low end it's still in the "normal" range. Interested for any insight!

Hopeful bump!

Certainly low. I would give you iron at that level as even though your haemoglobin may be ok, your stores are depleted.

I was told anything below 20 was low as mine came back as 15. Started iron tablets and feel so much better….miles better. You can buy them at the pharmacy (cheaper than nhs prescription). I also got an iron and b12 spray.

I was put on iron instantly when mine came back at that level (I’m pregnant) and the obstetrician is talking about a transfusion depending on what they are when they test next. That might be more about my ferritin being 160 a couple of months before that though than just the 14 on it’s own, baby seems to need a lot of iron .
I also read a few things saying it’s the low end of normal. It shouldn’t be! I was so exhausted, by the end of the week would just about be in tears, short of breath if I picked something up off the floor. It’s pretty bad if anyone feels like that, gets tested and told you’re in the normal range, go away.

Thanks for the replies, so it is pretty low then. Will pick up some iron tablets. I think I've just learnt to live with the tiredness and suspect I've forgotten what it feels like to have energy!

My most recent ferritin level was 16. Dr has advised I take iron to see if it helps, but I’m also awaiting biopsy results for coeliac disease. I feel absolutely dead on my feet, it’s like early pregnancy and newborn stage combined for me currently!

Oh, and my memory is utterly shot. Thank you for this thread, it’s reminded me I still have to buy the iron!

Mine was 3 all through my teenage years.

According to the NICE guidelines, a ferritin level of 30 or below is categoric evidence of iron deficiency, so it needs treating. The guidelines also say that you need to have failed to tolerate two different types of oral iron before you can have an infusion, which would make you feel better almost immediately.

Try floradix the iron one as it's easier to absorb iron in a liquid form (so I was told!). Tastes vile and you have to keep it in the fridge.

Yes, that's pretty low.

Yes anything below 50 in women can cause symptoms similar to anaemia. Personally I feel horrendous when mine is below 30.

I've had 2 infusions at results of 23 and 19 - they made a huge difference with the fatigue, hair loss and palpitations.

I thought I was going mad as my iron was fine but then my gp mentioned ferritin levels. She was amazed I was functioning. Mine were level 6 in October 2020. Feeling much more normal at 24 now. As soon as my energy drops I go straight back on the iron tablets.

@inigomontoyahwillcox

I've had 2 infusions at results of 23 and 19 - they made a huge difference with the fatigue, hair loss and palpitations.

Oh this is interesting as my hair is also falling out, and I have heart palpitations too - I didn't realise they were possibly connected

My hands/arms were tingling, I had palpitations and breathless on walking a good distance.
I was put on ferrous Fumarate for low ferritin.

I have the same. But I get awful constipation when I take the iron supplements so don't know what to do. Any ideas? Laxatives as well??

How did you get an infusion? Was this privately? My GP marked my iron as normal as above 10 so I can't get it on the NHS I assume.

My mum was as low as yours and the doctors said it was in normal range so she was OK. Told her to eat steak. They are numties. We insisted on tablets, which they gave then stopped. She ended up in hospital having iron and blood transfusions.
She had chest pains and stomach, fatigued, fuzzy thinking (difficult to tell with mum!), struggled to move. Eventually couldn't even walk to the end of her drive. Doctors thought it was a stomach issue. After transfusion, she was brilliant.
Definitely get yourself dosed up but I think the iron you get from the doctors is better than over the counter.

When my ferritin was at14 I felt very tired and had palpitations. I would get breathless and have headaches. Try ‘gentle iron’ and have it checked again in three months if they’ll let you.
Mines now at 18 so not much different but I just can’t tolerate taking iron so I just live with it!

@ThirstyMeeples

I have the same. But I get awful constipation when I take the iron supplements so don't know what to do. Any ideas? Laxatives as well??

If you've tried a few different sorts, can't tolerate them and it's still very low, you should be offered an infusion.

For optimum energy levels ferritin should be over 50 and ideally over 70.

I'm not surprised you're feeling tired, I have symptoms if mine's below about 35.

I hate what iron tablets do to my stomach and really struggle to keep my levels up so I paid privately for an infusion. It was expensive but it means my iron levels should be great for several years.

This thread is quite a relief. I have been wondering why I felt so pathetic with iron levels at 14 when it seemed to be in normal range.

My DD's is 14 too. She can't tolerate iron supplements and even when she takes ones that are supposedly easier on the gut, she doesn't absorb anything and her ferritin levels don't increase. The GP won't consider an iron infusion as he says she's not anaemic. Even though he hasn't done a FBC.

She is very poorly Long Covid, PoTS and ME so it's hard to know how much increasing her iron stores would help. A private iron infusion is around £800, so I'm still trying to get her one via the GP. A couple of years ago it was below 10 and they just stuck her on iron tablets.

@BonnesVacances It probably would help. I have many, many other medical conditions including severe/refractory POTS (not trying to do a weird flex, just being specific) and still find when my iron gets too low it makes me feel even worse. There's an appreciable benefit to the infusion every time.

It's deeply frustrating that the GP is being so unhelpful. Consultants with a more nuanced view and experience of this stuff (e.g. haematology consultants, gastro / intestinal failure consultants) go off ferritin levels - not just superficial 'are they anaemic'. My haem dr has also said to me that the levels are very personal and that being below the right level for your own body (which is quite possibly in the normal range for both measures) may be enough to start feeling crap. Please PM me if I can help in any way with pushing your GP on this.