Normal versus optimal ferritin levels

[blondie87]

Good afternoon,

Last year, I was found to have low ferritin levels- 15.1- with normal range being between 30-336. With prescription iron, it went to 26, then 33.6, from which the dr said no further action was needed. I’ve had it re-tested recently and it’s 54, so much better. However, I have read that whilst this is normal, optimal ferritin levels are 70+.

The low ferritin is thought to be related to menstruation. For this reason, I was considering a mirena coil. I don’t really want one, but if it would help maintain my iron levels I was going to try it. With my ferritin now more in the normal range, I’m not sure whether to bother with the coil, or because it’s still the lower end, whether it’s worth it.
Just wondered if anyone has had similar with ferritin.

My ferritin was 24. Iron tablets really upset my stomach, so I’m trying very hard to include lots of iron rich foods into my diet. Have you tried to improve your iron intake? I get bloods taken again next week.

mine is 55 and I’m on iron tablets as my saturation? is low
had a mirena fitted as part of endometriosis treatment in May

spatone/liquid iron is much better than tablets, try that as well
pour into small glass of juice and chug
tastes... well, iron-y, so hold nose if you have to. but much better on your stomach and it increases my iron levels faster

my mum always says raspberry leaf tea helped her heavy bleeding during her cycles. could be worth a go? I've only ever had it when pg lol

Thanks everyone. I have taken multivitamins with iron in, which must have helped a bit. Will try some of the suggestions!

I use Feroglobin Fizz tablets from vitabiotics. You can dissolve them in water for a fizzy drink or I like to just suck them like a sweet.

Just be aware that if you take multivitamins along with separate supplements you might be getting double doses of some things. In any case, multivitamins are reckoned to be not that beneficial as some of the supplements in them work against each other if you take them together.

@MagpiePi yes I didn’t take the multivits alongside anything else, but will definitely try a specific supplement thank you.