Iron and Ferritin levels.

[Yourinmyspot]

I have fairly regular blood tests for some medication I’m on, the results go to the hospital and not my GP. In July of last year the hospital wrote to my GP asking if they would investigate why my iron levels are a bit low. They aren’t very low have been between 99-116. My GP gave me some iron tablets when I phoned them in October.

The nurse at the hospital said my HB was 108 today and my ferritin 19.1. They said it was a bit low and might be worth contacting my GP. Should I just keep taking the iron tablets for a bit longer as not been on them that long and my iron levels haven’t really dropped.

Did the GP investigate as advised or just give iron tablets?

No they just gave me tablets.

I've just been prescribed iron tablets as my level was 115. I understand 120 is normal for a woman.
No investigations here yet either despite other symptoms, and just put down to 'heavy periods'. I'm not saying that isn't the cause, but I would like to be sure there's not something else going on as well!

Anyway, the tips I was given was to avoid dairy within an hour of taking the tablet as it can reduce absorption. They also said vitamin c helps so to take the tablets with a glass of juice or something like that.

I have chronic severe anemia. My body doesn't absorb iron so have to have iron infusions. Regardless of my HB levels, my consultant always sends me for an infusion if my ferritin is below 20.

If you haven’t already do a blood test to rule out coeliac

@Wimblingwombling does coeliac cause low iron??!

Very much so! It stops the body absorbing iron and is often one of the first symptoms

That's really interesting.
I've been having some abdominal issues with bloating etc, and blood tests have just shown I am iron deficient. I'm 36 though, is it likely to only show its face now after 36 years of being completely fine?

Yes, you can develop it at any age. Worth a blood test just to rule it out...

Interesting. I'll have a look in to the other symptoms and see if my GP would be willing to test

Bloating is one of the other main symptoms. Is definitely chat to your GP. With your symptoms I’m sure they wouldn’t mind doing the blood test

I don't want to derail OPs thread, but one more question.
I'm assuming you're speaking from experience so apologies if not and you don't actually know.

But. How soon after eating would the bloating occur, and how long does it last? I have been getting bloated (weirdly on one side only) immediately after eating (not every meal) and it lasts hours. By the time the bloating has gone I'm starving again!

Just to add that I also suffer from bloating and constipation. After a colonoscopy and the coeliac blood test, they've ruled it out.

@pigletsbiggestfan - yep, speaking from experience. I never got the bloating but it’s a classic symptom. I was however always hungry! Honestly, your symptoms totally qualify you for a simple blood test so better to rule it out

Thanks @Wimblingwombling
I'll wait for the results of the current tests and then assuming they show nothing I will ask about this. Naive of me, but I had no idea you could suddenly develop celiac later in life!

Thanks for the replies I think I will ask my GP to investigate a bit more.