Anaemia - Does anyone know what a 'normal' ferritin level is?

[PenguinTuxedo]

I'm feeling very unwell so had blood tests which showed my HB level was 10.3. I then had more bloods done to check my ferritin level, which has come back at 6 - is this low? What should it be?
I am now being referred to the hospital to possibly have an iron infusion.

6 or 60 as they now say is low. Ideally you want it above 12/120 my midwife said.

Your hb levels are on the low side but your ferritin levels are really low, levels range from 12 to 150. An iron infusion would be the best course of action to quickly bump up your levels then you can take an iron tablet to help keep them up. Your lucky your mw thought to check as many don't think about it and going off your hb levels many would have just suggested an iron rich diet

They had just checked my HB levels at my request due to me being so exhausted and unwell. When I still felt the same after Florodix (I didn't cope with the iron tablets), I requested another blood test, which showed my HB had dropped to 10.3. Then I mentioned an iron infusion as I'd read about them on here, so they said they had to check my ferritin first....so that's how it all came about.

I'm a bit worried by the low ferritin levels now, could this be harming the baby in anyway? I know it can vary from different NHS trusts, but do you think I'll be waiting a week or two, or several weeks for the infusion?

Thanks both for your help

I have had low ferritin levels with all my pregnancies and practically live off iron tablets. All babies (am pregnant with no4) have been absolutely fine.

Low levels are fine for baby it's usually down to them taking what they need that makes them low. I think the risks are for you during and postnatal bleeding. Can't remember exactly but don't Google. I'd say appointments are fairly quick as you kind of have time limits to work towards considering your pregnant.

Thanks for the reassurance both - I just can't help worrying! At least the low level explains why I've been so unwell (been signed off work for 9 weeks so far due to exhaustion). I'm only 26 weeks so there's still plenty of time to sort it out, so not sure how urgent they'll put the referral through. Just looking forward to feeling a bit better! :)

I had a ferritin level of 7 last year. I was told at the time that 7 is considered very very low and that some people are sometimes hospitalised at that level - depending on their symptoms.

Have been on ferrous sulphate ever since. My most recent blood teat came back mid twenties and my GP said that was still low and that we need to work at getting it much higher.

I am sorry I dont know where they want me to get to. However, I do feel hell of a lot better and definately more human again.

I expect I could feel even better if it increased.

If you're meant to be between 12-150, then it's very broad so it's hard to know where you 'should' be really, isn't it? I was reading online last night that 70 is an 'optimum' kind of range. That's great you feel so much better with it being in the 20's though :) Fingers crossed the levels carry on going up and you continue to feel better!

I do feel really unwell but my main issue is worrying that the baby is getting what she needs with my levels being low. Just hope they see me soon cos I can't stop worrying!

Two sachets of spatone everyday worked for me keeping my levels up.

Maybe try that after the transfusion as I suspect you will need to keep going so it doesn't drop again.

I've been using Floradix for the last 9 weeks, which seemed to keep my HB stable at least, even though it's still a little low. Is spatone better than Floradix?

I would take the advice of the Dr and Midwife as to what you can take. Ferritin is a very specific type of iron. My GP said it helps build your bone marrow. Its not just iron you need its Ferritin.

Have they not put you on supplements? I am on Ferrous Sulphate which is pretty vicious on the digestive system tbh. There is another Ferritin supplement some people are prescribed that tends to be slightly gentler on the tummy so I am told.

I would run past everything you are taking with the midwife as too much of any type of iron can be harmful, especially to baby.

I hope you start to feel better soon.I have to say it took 3 months ish for me to notice an improvement.