Low Ferritin, normal iron level and TIBC

[Anonymous]

Symptoms are fatigue, dizziness, some exercise intolerance, cold hands, general feeling of unwellness. Lots and lots of things tested, all normal or near normal. Iron level (115) and TIBC are normal, but a few years ago Ferritin was 22, and before that it was 20 - which are at low end of normal.

No doctor has brought my Ferritin level up as an issue, but online I’m reading about how some people are symptomatic at that ferritin level even if iron and TIBC are normal. Also have slightly low RBC and high MCV. Should I be looking for a different doctor than primary care for this? I keep hearing that “labs are good,” but I feel like cr@p.

[Anonymous]

Just get some OTC slow release iron pills and find out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just get some OTC slow release iron pills and find out.

I do take an OTC iron supplement, which probably explains why iron level is normal. But for some reason ferritin historically has been low.

[Anonymous]

I read several times and don't see what your ferritin is now.

If you think it's low, how much iron are you taking each day when you supplement? Are you taking it the right way (with Vit C, not with calcium, etc.)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just get some OTC slow release iron pills and find out.

This.

[Anonymous]

A few years ago I had many of these same symptoms. My doctor had my Ferritin tested because I also complained of breathlessness. My ferritin came in below 5. After a few weeks of iron supplements, I felt like a new person. We think it was due to very heavy long periods due to fibroids.

[Anonymous]

If your MCV is high, you need to check B12 and folate.

Can also be large due to alcohol.

If you are a woman and getting your period, a low ferritin is common. Continue a supplement.

[Anonymous]

Doctors never bring up Ferritin but it is a frequent cause of tiredness. Just order yourself a test and go have it done. Then buy liquid iron and take some. Also, magnesium.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I read several times and don't see what your ferritin is now.

If you think it's low, how much iron are you taking each day when you supplement? Are you taking it the right way (with Vit C, not with calcium, etc.)?

Doctor for some reason didn’t order a ferritin test when she ordered the iron and TIBC panel. It may be because the prior level was normal, albeit low normal. I may just get it done my self through a lab as PP suggested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I read several times and don't see what your ferritin is now.

If you think it's low, how much iron are you taking each day when you supplement? Are you taking it the right way (with Vit C, not with calcium, etc.)?

Doctor for some reason didn’t order a ferritin test when she ordered the iron and TIBC panel. It may be because the prior level was normal, albeit low normal. I may just get it done my self through a lab as PP suggested.

Or just send your doctor a message through the portal and ask for a ferritin test. No need to private pay for it.

But the solution is taking extra iron and making sure you're taking it right, so start doing that now.

[Anonymous]

My doctor said that for menstruating women, ferritin should be at 50 or higher for optimal functioning. I take ferrous fumarate. I definitely feel it when my ferritin drops even though my actual hemoglobin is fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I read several times and don't see what your ferritin is now.

If you think it's low, how much iron are you taking each day when you supplement? Are you taking it the right way (with Vit C, not with calcium, etc.)?

Doctor for some reason didn’t order a ferritin test when she ordered the iron and TIBC panel. It may be because the prior level was normal, albeit low normal. I may just get it done my self through a lab as PP suggested.

Or just send your doctor a message through the portal and ask for a ferritin test. No need to private pay for it.

But the solution is taking extra iron and making sure you're taking it right, so start doing that now.

Turns out doctor did request ferritin test but for some reason lab results didn’t return it. I assume she’s going to have me go back in. I’d want the doctor’s advice on how to balance normal iron level with low ferritin (assuming it is still low) so I don’t overload.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My doctor said that for menstruating women, ferritin should be at 50 or higher for optimal functioning. I take ferrous fumarate. I definitely feel it when my ferritin drops even though my actual hemoglobin is fine.

NP. Damn, my ferritin was 6 at my last check up.... I'm F late 30s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My doctor said that for menstruating women, ferritin should be at 50 or higher for optimal functioning. I take ferrous fumarate. I definitely feel it when my ferritin drops even though my actual hemoglobin is fine.

NP. Damn, my ferritin was 6 at my last check up.... I'm F late 30s.

PP, what did your doctor say about your ferritin level of 6? Hopefully they did something about it!

[Anonymous]

Np - I was at 5 a year ago and put on iron supplements and regular checks. With supplements I got it to 20 a year later (but still working on it).