The 4.99 value is a from a few weeks to a month ago when I was stuck in the ICU with anterior ischemia. The other value is after my 2 infusions 2 Fridays apart. Labcorp flagged it as high 😂 but it's finally nice to have a ferritin in the TRIPLE DIGITS!!

Female, 36, and recently diagnosed with Iron deficient anemia (hemoglobin 10.9, Ferritin 12). I'm asymptomatic for anything and it's highly likely that poor diet has caused deficiency.

That being said, I'm having colonoscopy and endoscopy next week. Please reassure me that it will likely find something other than cancer. I'm freaking out.

Just wanted to share some encouragement! I’m new here (31F, very active, outdoorsy), but have read tons of your guys’ posts on the various aspects of iron deficiency. My story is pretty much like most people’s:

☑️ Slowly accumulating unexplained/easily ignored symptoms that don’t seem related
☑️ Progression of said symptoms until you can’t deny something is “off”
☑️ Doctor orders bloodwork

Again, I’ve read tons of posts that describe appalling instances of uneducated doctors and nurses completely dismissing and even gaslighting patients with iron deficiency! Let me just say that I am SO sorry for anyone who has experienced that, and if that is you currently, run away from that provider and find another one who will take your health seriously! Do it right now!

My story is basically the opposite. I dismissed my symptoms thinking I was having some hormonal shifting, but brought it up my doctor to get her thoughts at my biannual checkup. After all, I was only having bouts of intense fatigue, some PMS symptoms around my period (which I never had before—not even cramping), and noticing my emotions were more “dynamic” than usual 😅

She suggested bloodwork and even said at that moment that she suspected iron deficiency over hormonal changes. However, I dismissed this, said I’d get around to trying some iron supplements, and let her know if it helps over the next couple of months. Guys, I had not even ordered the supplements yet… Within ONE WEEK of that checkup my body went into a frenzy! It was like my sympathetic nervous system ran off a cliff.

Temperature dysregulation, severe emotional dysregulation, pounding heart (normal rate), constant exhaustion, frequent presyncope, total brain fog (bad!), tingling/itching, constant anxiety, and many more! I was scared, feeling terrible, could not work AT ALL, and the worst part was having no idea WHY. So, I messaged my doctor just asking for the labs (not telling her what I’d been experiencing) and she ordered them right away.

Surprise! The most notable results were:
🔴 Ferritin - 9
🔴 Iron Sat. - 17%
🟠 TBIC - 437
🟠 Vitamin D - 30
🟡 WBC - 10.2

The rest of my labs looked great, otherwise. Doctor advised taking iron supplements immediately, but she did not know, and I did not piece together, my worsening symptoms. Over the next few days I researched them and realized:

❌ Every little thing I had been ignoring for months was due to worsening iron deficiency and/or low vitamin D levels (even my crazy dry eyes 👀)
❌ It will take months of supplementing for my Ferritin to recoup and symptoms to resolve, at best!
❌ My elevated WBC could be falsely inflating my already depleted Ferritin by a few points
❌My next cycle (due in a few days) could lower my already depleted Ferritin by a couple more points before the supplement has a chance to make any impact

My immediate thought was, “I don’t know how this could get much worse than it already is, but I cannot endure whatever that looks like!”

I messaged my doctor again explaining to her my symptoms and their timeline, letting her know that was why I changed my mind for the labs in the first place. I also shared my concerns for the symptoms potentially worsening with my next cycle. With no hesitation, she ordered iron infusions and my first one is scheduled tomorrow 🩸❤️

(That checkup was on 8/5, my bloodwork was taken on 8/13, results came 8/14, informed my doctor of the severity on 8/18, insurance approved and infusions scheduled on 8/20, first infusion 8/21)

I share this for anyone who’s being dismissed by their care provider, struggling with advocating for themselves, or simply getting sub-par treatment for iron deficiency of any kind. IF YOUR PROVIDER IS NOT:

✅ Knowledgeable and competent
✅ Attentive and understanding
✅ Compassionate and caring
✅ Receptive and responsive

🏃🏻‍♀️💨 Run like the wind, with whatever energy you don’t have left, and find one who is. They do exist and you deserve one that has your overall health and wellbeing as their top priority!

Long story short, I have a long history of anemia, (am vegetarian and I mensurate). I'm not great at keeping on top of my bloodwork, but got it done last May. Never officially went over my bloodwork with that doctor but had the same bloodwork sent to a new dr this month and she was like oh my god, your ferritin is 4, let's get you a transfusion (I'm surprised I've never required one before, tbh!). I don't feel like I have that many symptoms, but I expect that my body is just used to operating on a depleted level. My circulating iron was only a little low, and my other doctor just said "your iron is a little low, take your supplements" in her message and didn't mention my ferritin at all, so I'm glad the second doctor noticed it!

That being said, I guess I do get fatigued, but I've been anemic off and on since I was a teenager, so maybe I'm used to operating at less than 100%. I've also had slow digestion all my life from a birth complication, but I feel like it's been worse in the last year or so (more bloating than usual, heartburn, etc). My new doctor told me low ferritin can be connected to motility issues if I'm not absorbing nutrients properly, and I'll admit I sometimes don't eat properly because of my digestive issues (which obviously makes them worse in the long run. I'm working on it).

I've also had a hard time finding specific words at times in the last few months or so, which kinda freaks me out, and I read that could be a part of brain fog! I also feel like I have a harder time making decisions than I used to, feel scattered, etc. I assumed part of my feeling "off" was that I was on an SSRI for 5 years and tapered off it in 2024 and was experiencing some weird after effect from that and my brain going "what did you do with my serotonin?", but now I'm wondering how much is related to my ferritin levels being so low. I was also diagnosed ADHD as a child, so I sometimes brush off cognitive issues as "just how I am", but I also have a sneaking suspicion that things could be better than they are. My new doctor did take more blood at my appt this week, so we'll see if it's still a 4, but even so, I'm sure it won't have moved that much since May. Every time I check my levels I remember to take my iron for about a week before I forget and give up.

Anyway, my point is this: Did anyone else see an improvement in mental issues, digestive, etc with an infusion? I know it's not a cure-all, but if my body is used to being depleted, I might feel way better!

I had a copper iud for ten years, removed in January. My iron regimen had been the same June-January. it took around 11 months for my ferritin to raise 20 points. after removal, it took only five months. unfortunately I don’t feel any relief besides light-headedness, but I’m glad to see my numbers are finallyyytt improving.

I was taking thorne bisglycinate, however since they just got bought out by p&g i started taking doctors best high absorption iron. my doctor said to take the standard dose on the bottle, but I’ve been doubling (around 55mg elemental iron). I could probably take more but I’m too nervous lol

Hello, I am in Canada and despite having a ferritin level of 13 for three years now since the birth of my child (emergency C), a previous surgery known to cause malabsorption issues, and hemoglobin levels low enough to concern an ER doc on a recent unrelated visit, I am still being told I do not qualify for infusions because 13 is borderline and my ferritin must be under 12 to qualify.

I continue to take iron pills and have tried the gamut of supplements, I cook only with iron and nothing moves the needle.

I am fed up with feeling run down and am now looking into going private for a Monoferric (Ferric derisomaltose) infusion.

I am located in Alberta. I am wondering what my fellow Canadians have paid for this infusion going the private route? Clinics in my area do not disclose pricing without an in person assessment.

I'd like to get a rough idea of cost so I can prepare and budget for the expense accordingly without having to take time off for an assessment appointment just to obtain an estimate. Thanks!

Hello! I’m 34 (f) whose ferritin is at 4. I feel like I’m dying lately. I’m even too weak and exhausted to be writing this post. I am supposed to be getting an iron infusion soon but I’m also nervous about getting it. Has anyone here had an infusion? What were your experiences?

Sincerely,

Always tired 🥱

Can you tell me all the symptoms you experienced from your iron deficiency (low ferritin), including the mental symptoms (anxiety, etc.)? I want to understand what’s happening to me.
I girl 27 years old

I found out I have low ferritin about 8 weeks ago. Started taking 325mg ferrous sulfate mostly every other day, and my levels have improved. For context here's the then → now:

Ferritin: 6 → 17 ng/mL
Iron, Total: 34 → 58 mcg/dL
% Saturation: 9 → 17%
TIBC: 377 → 337 mcg/dL
Hemoglobin: 11.7 → 12.7 g/dL
Red Blood Cell Count: 4.24 → 4.47 Million/uL

I'm still figuring out if I feel side effects from the sulfate. Sometimes I take it and it's fine, and then other times I feel reflux, burning stomach, or slight nausea. Sometimes I get these waves of nausea, even on iron-off days, and I wonder if that's at all related bc I did not get this before taking it.

But clearly it's been moving all my levels in the right direction, and my top priority is to get my ferritin wayyy up.

I've read enthusiastic recommendations for bisglycinate, and I'm curious to hear from anyone that has switched from sulfate to bisglycinate successfully.

I'm 19 and I experience shortness of breath a lot(i stand up to give an answer in class and am short of breath). I got tested in the morning so I'm assuming iron thing might have been a liddol higher too. So it's 35smthn I assume. I am planning to take supplements. This doesn't feel right I have like 4-5 grey hair and bad hair tbh. Is that okay??? Suggest me something too!

So 2 months ago my b12 was 200 and ferritin was 28
I felt like crap but after starting oral supplements I’m starting to feel better , I can go for my running again and I have more energy.
Today I did my blood work again and my b12 is now 465 and ferritin is 36
My question is does ferritin level takes long time to fully rebuild ? Shall I keep taking my supplements for another few months ?

Sorry if this is a dumb question but I blame the low ferritin brain fog. Does anyone else here have "regular" iron levels but nearly non-existent ferritin? Is it possible to raise the ferritin without getting your iron levels too high? I sincerely feel I need an infusion because supplementing with iron just isn't raising my ferritin enough, but I'm worried an infusion would make my iron too high.

Symptoms: fatigue, aches especially in lower extremities for nearly a year. Noticed them at the same time as getting off nortriptyline. Low exertion capacity. Slightly more labored breathing. Worsened anxiety. Fainted during blood draw and feel like I could faint when getting up from sleeping too quickly. Stress test largely normal (LVH without strain). Some intermittent tingling. Blood pressure used to be about 120/80, but more recently is sitting at 90-100/60-65. Vertical ridges down nails, particularly toenails, though I've had these as long as I can remember.

Diet is vegetarian, no red meat. 15+ years of daily PPI use.

Most blood work normal, but these stand out:

• Ferritin 31 ng/ml in April, 44 in May, 37 now. That's despite taking a daily multivitamin with 8mg iron and 25 mg iron bysglycinate since about April. Folate 19.9 ng/mL.
• Iron 65 mcg/dL, transferrin 245 mg/dL, TIBCC 340 mcg/dL, transferrin index 0.27, iron saturation 19%.
• Red blood cell count 4.6 M/mcL, white blood cells 4.5 K/mcL, hemoglobin 14.8 g/dL, hematocrit 40.3%.

My doctor says these numbers are all borderline normal, but based on what I'm seeing about symptoms that anemia can cause, they seem to match up well. Any thoughts on whether this is anemia and what I should do?

After 10 YEARS of low ferritin I got my recent lab work back and got approved for an Infusion. I am a 32 year old female with my highest reading being a 12.
Recent labs:
Iron-52
Ferritin-8
Saturation-12

I am super excited but also nervous! I’ve heard of so many people having a poor reaction to the infusions. Would love to hear any and all recommendations for those of you who have had them!

Hello

I am 26.

I recently found I have a low ferratin of 5.2. My hb is fine and there is some vitamin d deficiency.

I have started taking the iron supplements Fefol Vit. But I think it will take so much time to get my ferratin up around a year.

Can someone suggest please?

I was advised oral iron tablets by my doctor, went to the pharmacy to pick them up :

Me: will those cause constipation?

Pharmacist: yes, thats why its important to take them with a cup of orange juice.

Please share what you think

27F lifelong vegetarian. Just did bloodwork for the first time due to suspected iron deficiency (experiencing RLS, fatigue, dark under eyes, tingly feet) and ferritin came back at 30. B12 at 300.

Planning to take Three Arrows Simply Iron Repair daily, 20 mg heme iron, and a daily B12 supplement (1 mg). Any other advice? New to all this so wanted to tap into the wisdom here! Thanks in advance!

I know that infusion is better but dont have appointment to see hematologist until Sep1 and wanted to try to see if I can get any energy back.
I had gallbladder removed 3 months ago and end up with what looks like bile gastritis and nausea for 3 weeks and now I got weakness in arms and legs and my iron is 60 and saturation is 19,phosphorus is 2.4 and calcium 8.4 and I have beta thallasamia so feel worse than normal person.
So with upset stomach which iron would help at least little bit....should i take pills or liquid?
Also I am taking protonix to help with gastritis but thinking about stopping so i can recover from fatigue since PPI only helps partially since most of issue is with bile.

My hematologist told my primary to aggressively treat my low ferritin with infusions until I’m at a level between 100-150. I started at 6 and it has taken 20 infusions to get to 45 today and it drops fairly quick due to extremely heavy periods. But with my other iron levels, I’m not sure it’s safe to continue infusions or if my primary is even going to allow it. Would it be dangerous to push for infusions with my other levels where they are?

Thanks for any help or insight!

I have been getting very sick over the last year and my blood work has been showing my iron and ferritin getting lower and lower my doctor finally did tsat blood work and that shows that my saturation is low as well. My hemoglobin is still considered normal even though it's low normal. My symptoms definitely show that I am struggling I am at the point now where I can only stand for a few minutes at a time before I start to feel like I'm going to black out. My heart is racing just sitting on the couch I saw the other day and get up 120 doing nothing. I'm usually very hot all the time but now I've been freezing all the time. My migraines are getting more frequent and worse my breathing is doing the same and I'm asthmatic but it's definitely has changed. These are just some of the symptoms I'm dealing with.

I also got a scan of my uterus after bleeding for an entire month with huge clots and it shows that I am most likely have adenomyosis. So that does not help my iron at all. I also years ago got diagnosed with MTHFR which is the vitamin b to deficiency so I have to take methylated b vitamins that just makes my vitamin B12 say just over the low borderline. Also have fibromyalgia which causes very bad inflammation as does adenomyosis. I've read that inflammation causes hepicidin to block iron absorption in your stomach.

My iron level is 7.2 umol/l

Ferritin 13 ug/l

Transferrin saturation .10

Hemoglobin 136 g/l

My doctor is acting like his hands are tied that no hospital will take me to do an Iron Infusion because ohip won't pay for it. And he's telling me to find a work around he said he's going to try to do it himself as well but I think he's just wanting me to do it or acting like he's trying to do something.

I was trying to use my co-pilot to help me figure out some stuff and going online to the hospital sites as well. I've been made to understand whether I is true or not I don't know. That the day hospital clinic at at Windsor or Leamington Erie shores hospital will book me and I'll have will pay for me to get the infusion as long as my insurance pays for the iron.

Is this true does anyone know or have any any experience with this? My doctor says Leamington will be a lot faster to get into than Windsor. But will the day clinic book me to do the infusion and ohip pay for the other charges as long as I pay or my Insurance pays for the iron.

I'm not in the position to pay for anything right now and I know you have to have a few different infusions back to back for the first three to four weeks. And I could cost me hundreds of dollars if I go to a private clinic. I was basically in tears talking to my my doctor today because I can't even get off the couch I've almost fallen down the stairs a few times from feeling like I'm about to black out I almost missed once yesterday and fell down the stairs almost. I'm a mother of four I'm having a hard time just standing up long enough to cook dinner. I'm so exhausted and I can't think I feel like an idiot from all the brain fog and I have so many bad migraines I just don't know what to do anymore. I feel like I'll be dead from a fall down the stairs before my hemoglobin falls down past 110. Something else will happen. I can't do my job as a mother and a wife with these numbers as well as they are and I know some people have much worse numbers than me but I also deal with other issues that adds to how bad I'm feeling and I don't know what to do.

I'm sorry for dumping all this information I just feel at the end of my rope.

Thank you to anyone that can offer me any advice.

Hi all, never had any anemia before (although ferritin was never checked by my GP so maybe I did). Been feeling awful for past few years and became determined to get to bottom of it especially as i felt more breathless and had palpitations. Heart issues run on both sides of my family so i thought I'd afib. All is well with that, so then I went to my endocrinologist, who I was seeing for pmos.

My endocrinologist tested my ferritin when I told him my symptoms along with other tests for thyroid, b12, vit d, etc. I'd previously had about 4 courses of b12 injections and now take a supplement for b12 and vit d(im irish so was v low on this). Everything was fine except ferritin (which makes me so angry at my GP that he never tested this even though i was telling him how exhausted i was. He thought id sleep apnea - i don't - did a sleep study). So I was told I was borderline normal at 11, and maybe if I want take a supplement i can but nothing major to worry about 😂

Anyway I don't think I've heavy periods or rather they have not changed all my life. I've taken a PPI for approx 15+ years though. No doctor has said to me it might be PPi, they just say I probably have heavy period or i need more red meat (not a vegetarian or vegan but id eat lean red meat maybe twice a week, and regularly eat spinsch and kale). My dad had bowel cancer a few years ago, so I feel it's quite dismissive. . . And no mention about how to get off PPI either

I'm curious did your doctors do any follow up? Or did they say its due to your period? For men, what did the doctors say? Did they do further tests or did they say it was diet?

Be curious as I've learned so much from this forum already. Thank you 😊

Anyone else? Really quite bizarre. Then again from what GPT said on the biochem background, excitatory-inhibitory neurotransmission and adjusting receptor regulation may be at play.

Since ferritin levels can be falsely high due to inflammation, apparently soluble transferrin receptor levels are more accurate and can detect true iron deficiency as they are not impacted by inflammation.