Iron levels

[PontypandyPioneer]

Hi there, just a question re, iron levels.

I've been prescribed ferrous fumerate twice already this year for 3 months at a time. I went back to the GP a couple of weeks ago to ask for another blood test as I was feeling pretty rubbish with symptoms much the same as when I was low on iron previously.

The blood test has come back as 25 ug/l which the GP has said is normal and no further consultation needed. I still feel really tired and after reading lots (but on Google!!) it looks like that reading is actually pretty low? Even the NICE guidelines say that anything under 30 is low.

I feel a bit silly that I can't remember my last results to compare!

Does anyone know if this looks low or not? Is it worth another call to the GP to ask them to look at the results again?

Thank you!

Have you got the GP app where you can see your results ?

It says 12-300 is normal on my GP app, but I think I’ve read it’s best over 50 for those who’ve lost hair.

Unfortunately I can't see any results on the app. That would be useful.

Have you asked why you keep getting anaemic ?
My ferritin was 5, so the GP ordered a poo test to check I wasn’t bleeding there, then I had a Mirena coil as it was periods causing it.
‘If it’s happened twice you need to know why.

I asked and was told they'd look into it if I was low this time! But as it's been classed as a normal level they won't do anything.

I either miss periods or it's really light when I'm low which was another reason why I asked for a blood test.

I'm 40, not overweight and usually fit & healthy if that means anything!

With your age and the missed periods I’d say peri menopause, do you have any other symptoms ?

You can buy ferrous fumarate over the counter at Boots or any other pharmacy. Also, I am in peri menopause and having previously suffered with low iron and ferritin levels thought that my levels were low again as was feeling awful, turns out all I needed was HRT.

Ah I didn't even think of being peri-menopausal! I don't have any other symptoms though...just symptoms I get when I'm iron deficient - tired, restless legs, slightly increased heart rate & struggle to run at my normal pace.

I might contact the GP again to ask for some more advice. In our chat he didn't mention any other possibilities and now the bloods have come back that's case closed.