Low iron and other blood results

[whyamiawakestillitssolate]

I got results of my recent blood tests that showed low serum ferratin iron levels at 10 ug/l. Plus a couple of other things I’m low in although blood count was fine.

GP has messaged suggesting I take iron supplements and retest in 3 months but a bit worried the underlying cause isn’t being checked. (I do get some lower ab pain and also constipation which I’ve told them previously)

My iron is normally very good (lost loads of blood when had my eldest and didn’t need anything) and I eat a varied diet with different meat etc.

Is it normal to just be supplemented and not have any further tests or should I ask more questions (I don’t want to be difficult if it’s normal approach)

Surely the underlying cause is that you're not getting enough iron in.

They test this by you having supplements. If the supplements dont work, it could be because of absorption difficulties, then they need to look at that

Its trial and error

What is your diet like?

Low iron is extremely common. The tests they would do for it are not especially pleasant - colonoscopy, endoscopy. But they wouldn't assume you had gi bleeding unless you had severe deficiency.

It's safe to assume the underlying cause is diet / periods. If supplements don't work then they'll investigate further.

Best of luck.

I see - so if there were absorption issues due to something more sinister the iron supplements just won’t work. That makes sense.

I thought I had a fairly iron rich diet - we eat meat most days, including red meat once or twice a week and eat broccoli, fortified cereals etc. But maybe not enough leafy greens and things. I’ll try and up those too.

The underlying cause is that you have low free iron in blood and possibly low B12. They are going to test B12 availability in 3 months. Remember that iron can’t be taken with calcium rich foods, milk and caffeinated drinks. You must wait 2 hrs after these to take iron. Also, take iron with lemonade (real lemons) or orange juice.

the “underlying causes” that you think about regarding constipation would have showed up in the blood test with higher T cells and white blood count. Or lower red blood count. Your blood count is fine. So just iron supplements!

That’s great thanks - and my B12 was fine so I don’t need to worry about that either

Basically you have more iron going out than going in.

In young women the commonest causes are diet- not enough in- and heavy periods - too much going out.

By the way, if you already suffer with constipation a bit, then you need 'gentle iron', otherwise you'll never get off the toilet

If you’re having periods you have an answer right there - you’re losing iron every month.
A ferritin of 10 is not especially low, and if your blood count is normal that’s good. However if you’re worried about bowel symptoms it’s worth talking to your GP about that separately.

Try a few sips of orange juice with food. Vit C helps iron absorption