POTS and low iron reserves

[landofgiants]

I’ve been experiencing POTS-like symptoms for the past few years (orthostatic intolerance and fatigue) though no official diagnosis as yet. I have also recently found out that my ferritin is on the low side (27) although I am not anaemic. I was wondering if anyone else had experience of either or both of these things and in particular whether iron supplementation had helped?
I’m 48 and have various other niggling health conditions such as migraines but don’t want to make this post too lengthy. I’m currently being investigated under long-covid services as GP thinks the POTS is probably secondary to Covid, but this seems to be a frustratingly slow process!

I’m under cardiology for PotS investigations and my ferritin was 22.

Supplements have helped hugely. I do still have to wear knee length compression stockings though, or I get dizzy and weak if I stand for more than a few minutes, but the symptoms have lessened and my energy has improved now my ferritin is 50. I thought Nice guidelines say to treat if under 30?

iirc it needs to be above 70 for healthy hair growth so you would likely feel much better if you increase your levels.

Thanks for your reply.

Interesting what you say about the hair growth. I’ve noticed that mine is thinner than it used to be (fortunately I had really thick hair to start with, so it doesn’t look too bad) but had put it down to ageing/waning hormone levels. I think my nails are growing slower too.

I’ve had iron supplements in the past (post partum) and didn’t get on with them due to awful GI side effects, so I’m a bit apprehensive about trying them again - but it sounds like I need to get on and nag the GP again.

My symptoms appear to be a bit better now the weather is cooler as heat seems to be a massive trigger. I’ve tried compression socks but haven’t noticed much difference with or without them. Thanks again.

This is a gentle iron @landofgiants and doesn’t give gastrointestinal side effects. I was on prescription ferrous fumerate for over a decade, with little effect, but this iron has better bioavailability and has increased my levels massively by, initially, taking 2 tablets every other day. I now take just 1 tablet every other day. There is an scientific explanation as to why you should only take iron every other day if you have a Google. You would feel loads better if you could boost yours.

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08SKKL9TS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

@IdWantThatManInMyLifeboat
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve started an over-the-counter supplement and seem to be tolerating it ok, but your suggestion seems to have more iron in it. Still trying to get hold of the GP but no appointments or space on their online portal!

Do you mind me asking how long it took after starting the supplements for you to feel better?

I honestly wouldn’t even bother with the GP tbh, if they haven’t prescribed at your level, they will likely just say get OTC anyway.

It was a few weeks iirc. I know if prescribed they only recheck levels after 3 months of taking, so it does take a while for levels to improve.