Does ferritin level of 4 and HB 77 warrant an iron infusion?

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Wondering if anyone has any knowledge about the levels. I had a blood transfusion because of the levels above but I still feel so tired. When I read that some people have ferritin levels in the hundreds and mines 4, it’s no wonder I’m exhausted all the time. It’s due to sever heavy menstrual bleeding and I’ve got tablets to control that now but I’m so tired.

I’ve been given iron tablets but they give me stomach ache so don’t want to take them but I assume it’s going to be a fight to get them to give me an iron infusion?

Have you seen a gynae re your heavy bleeding to establish the cause?. I found that such tablets were ineffective over time.

Yes I’ve had tests and biopsy because I wouldn’t stop bleeding one day so went to A&E (advised by 111) so they called the gynaecologist down in an emergency but everything came back clear. Simply have horrific heavy bleeding but no pain and no other reason. I’ve got tablets to stop that heaviness but I still feel exhausted and it just feels like these tablets will take about 2 years to start building up my iron reserves.

Ideally you need an appointment with a gynae to properly find out what is causing this. What tests did they do at the time, was an internal ultrasound for example carried out?

Fibroids for instance can cause heavy bleeding to arise and peri menopausal bleeding can be heavy for some women too. You can’t go on like this and the cause needs to be properly determined.

Sorry I should have been more clear, they done an ultrasound, both internally and externally and a biopsy and said no fibroids, no endometriosis and gave me the all clear. I think they were worried about cancer but I’ve always had such heavy cycles and I’m pissed off with myself that I put up with it for so long and that my levels are so low I’ve had to have blood transfusions. I’m going to get the coil fitted so that should stop the heavy bleeding hopefully

There are other types of iron supplements that are less likely to cause you stomach issues (I can't tolerate the standard ferrous sulphate/fumarate). Google 'gentle iron' for other supplements.

I'm currently taking an iron spray (Better You brand) and using skin patches (Omnico brand) both of which are supposed to bypass the digestive system, I feel like it's making a difference and it's not causing me any issues. There's a FB group called 'The Iron Protocol' that's pretty helpful (lots of info on different types of supplements amongst other things).

did you have your B12 and Folate levels checked as well? both of those impact how well you absorb iron.

Endometriosis if present is not detected via blood tests or internal ultrasound scans. This can also cause heavy bleeding to arise.

Consider the coil by all means but it is in your interests too to determine why you are getting such heavy bleeding. Again this will only treat the symptoms, not the cause. Your GP should ideally refer you to a gynae but as waiting lists are so ling in many areas you may want to consider going private for an initial consultation.