Optimal ferritin levels (including for TTC)

[RosiePH]

Hi,

I had a blood test last week as I’ve been experiencing many of the symptoms of iron deficiency, coupled with a slow increase to heavier periods (and flooding through heavy period pants in an hour once a period, likes it one big gush).

My blood results have all come back in range, apart from my hypochromasia which is 0.7% and said to be out of range but acceptable. My ferritin level is 24, which is said to be in range.

Are these levels a bit low though really? I’ve seen a few threads on here which say my ferritin level will be too low for TTC (I’m 31 and want to start trying for our first in the next year) and also they ferritin should be higher for Jessie growth. My hair barely grows and a lot falls out.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Ideal ferritin levels should be over 50 or even 70 for optimum hair growth.

I don't know about the impact on TTC I'm afraid but if you do get pregnant then it would be helpful to have optimum iron stores anyway.

So I would suggest trying to raise your level. I did it through a combination of diet and tablets the first time but it does take time and perseverance. I paid for an infusion the second time but that's an expensive option!

When I was TTC I googled how ferritin can affect it and found a study which suggested that levels under 30 can prevent ovulation. I had been diagnosed with unexplained infertility (blood tests suggested I may or may not be ovulating but it was inconclusive), and have always had ferritin levels around 15. With both of my pregnancies I took liquid iron for months while TTC and I only managed to conceive after my levels went above 30.

I had low ferritin for years because of undiagnosed coeliac disease, I got pregnant through ivf and then naturally after 9 cycles, i don't think it was my ferritin that was the problem

I agree with @Pip1402 that ferritin should be over 70 for hair growth - I was told that by two different doctors. They said the optimal level for ferritin in pre-menopausal females was around 75-150 or a bit higher max in post-meno.

(I had a lot of hair loss some years ago so went to the doctors. My ferritin was something like 26 and I felt loads better after taking the iron they prescribed)

Thank you for the replies! I’ve spoken with a nurse this evening and she agreed the ferritin level should be explored further with a GP.
I have also realised from my results that my TSH is 3.64. The nurse said this was mid-range but I’ve seen a lot online and on other threads suggesting it’s too high for conception and would probably result in infertility/miscarriages. Maybe the GP will have a different view, as I do have the symptoms of under active thyroid including the increasingly heavy periods and a family history of thyroid disease. My TSH has nearly tripled from the last time i had a blood test a few years ago.
My T4 is much more comfortably mid-range (15.9) and the nurse said it’s normal to have a high TSH level if you have a blood test done in the morning…

My ferretin is 180!! Initially I was a bit panicked but spoke to a doctor who said he often sees this level in post menopausal woman (and I am 10 years post menopausal) and hadn't had a period for 15 years prior to that either due to having mirena.

Doctor did say to me the ideal level for women of child bearing age is around 70

I’ve been prescribed a low level iron supplement and tranxemic acid.

GP didn’t think the TSH level was too high. Hopefully it will come down itself I guess. Not feeling confident about starting to ttc.

Just FYI you can buy ferrous fumarate or ferrous sulphate over the counter. When I found this I bought the same product I had been prescribed, just at £2.50 rather than the £9.65 prescription charge.

Also if your Hb was in range then you don't need to worry toooooo much about your ferratin. Think of it as Ferratin is your iron savings and Hb is your current account. So long as you have enough in your current account to cover day to day iron spending you don't need to dip into your savings. It can take years for ferratin to tick up to 50+ levels though so plan to take the supplement long term, you'll feel good for it 💪

Oh that’s good to know! The prescription items can to nearly £20 this evening! Will definitely buy OTC next time.

My MCH and MCHC were marginally higher than the top of the range.