Low iron help?

[Cupofteaaa5]

I've been struggling to keep my iron levels up since last year. If I stop taking iron tabs, levels go back down. I don't become anaemic, just low ferretin

Just wondering if anyone else has had low iron from long periods rather than heavy ones? My periods aren't heavy, but I bleed for at least 10 days a month, often 12 or 13. But some of those days are just spotting.

Just a disclaimer, I am having this bleeding investigated by a gynecologist, but does it sound like it could be the cause of my low iron? It doesn't feel like I'm losing enough blood, but maybe 12 days of light bleeding is the equivalent of a heavy normal length period?

I'm having a similar issue, the dr has put me on the mini pill to see if it stops me from bleeding (she said this could go either way but I thought it was worth a try). I'm taking a multivit with iron and just waiting to see if the pill has worked, it's only my first month so I don't have any specific answers yet but I will update.

Ah yes I tried the mini pill. Unfortunately for me it made me bleed more! Bled continuously for 3 months until I came off it. I hope it works better for you!

The long periods may or may not be the cause, but I'd say definitely contribute to it.

I've always had low iron and have been on and off tablets for years. Are you also taking folic acid?

To manage it I've been taking iron the week before my period, and that seems to stop levels from dropping too much. This may not work for everyone, but it does for me.

If they test your blood again ask them to check for Beta Thalassemia trait.. I have it & although a rarer blood condition in this country could still be possible.

I suggest taking folic acid

I used to have long heavy periods (post meno now) and was always drained. Then I discovered Floradix and after than Feroglobin which is similar but half the price. Way nicer than normal iron tablets as they don't cause constipation. I've taken one a day for years. I really notice if I forget or run out.

This is what I'm worried about, when did the bleeding start? I took my first one on the first day of my period and it's been a month, no more bleeding yet. I'm going to start a thread about it to see what other people's experiences are. Never been keen on taking hormones but I need to sort out my low iron levels.

If you can bear the cost - then having an iron infusion at a private iron clinic may be a good idea. It seems very difficult to get the NHS to cover it...
I had low ferritin despite being on iron tablets twice daily. The infusion bright my levels up and they have stayed there for more than a year.

Has it made you feel a lot better?
I’m considering a transfusion but for the moment am taking floradix.
I didn’t think the body could store iron so
it is great the effects have lasted so long

Yes, I am feeling a lot better but that's also because around the same time I was diagnosed with a congenital heart problem (way too late in life) which I then had treated. So I've gone from feeling like a worn out dish rag to feeling great.

For me it started immediately. As soon as I started the tablets. If you've not had any extra bleeding for a month that's a good sign it's working for you.