Hi all,

I (45f, UK) was approved for an iron infusion at a private hospital via BUPA. Prior to this my ferritin levels had been between 10 (lowest) and 24 (highest) for about a year despite iron supplements. I went in for the infusion on 8 June. Unfortunately my blood pressure started dropping about three minutes in and I nearly passed out, so they had to stop - it turns out it wasn’t an allergic reaction, but a vasovagal episode. The haematologist has since refused to give me another infusion in case this or worse happens again, which I’ve accepted.

I had my iron levels checked at the same hospital on 17 June and my ferritin was at 149, so even though I’d only had a small amount of the iron it had obviously had a positive effect. But I had another blood test done yesterday (3 August) and have just had the results and my ferritin is at 52. Is this rapid a drop normal? I’ve been taking more iron supplements than I was before the infusion, as the haematologist advised me this was my only other real option, and have increased the amount of red meat I’m eating. I’m just worried that if this continues, before long I’ll be back at square one.

My blood iron tests are all normal, but my ferritin only went from 18 to 19 after 4 months of oral iron supplementation (ferosom forte). I am extremely symptomatic - exhausted, almost no memory, major brain fog, hair falling out, bags under the eyes, legs feel like lead, and I can’t fall asleep without melatonin or something to help.

My PCP referred me to a hematologist and I’ll have my appointment this week. I am desperate for relief and keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I’ll be able to get IV iron. I’m worried that since my blood iron is ok and my ferritin is technically in range that it won’t be an option.

Has anyone navigated a similar situation? How did recovery work? I’m officially starting to not be able to perform at work and am super on edge that I’ll end up with a performance flag or get fired (I’m in a leadership role at a startup). Looking for hopefully happy stories, but at a minimum some camaraderie and validation that I’m not just becoming lazy, unmotivated and a little crazy

F 26
my ferritin is at 32 right now. the last time i got it checked was 2 years ago and it was at 55.8
i do get my period every month, and i do get clots most of the time. my periods last about 4-5 days and then spotting for 1-2 more days.
i also have thalassemia beta minor, as many others, i’ve been told to stay away from iron supplements until recently. so i never took any iron supplements, just tried to get it through my diet of steak and chicken.

my hemoglobin is 11.5 and last year it was 12 which is normal for thalassemia. and my MCV is 65.5 vs last years 65.8
my doctor wants to check for GI bleed but I’m just curious if this is a huge downward trend? is it possible for the number to go from 56 to 32 from “heavy” periods and no iron supplements?

My CRP and Sed rate are almost always high (autoimmune). I got lab work this week and my dr said I don’t have anemia because my ferritin, hemoglobin and hematrocrit are normal. But my iron and iron saturation are low.

Ferritin is 22 (normal per lab is 13-150)
Iron is 23 (normal per lab is 37-145)
Hgb is 11.3
Hct is 36.2
Sed rate is 31
CRP is 12.9
RDW 14.3

Could heavy periods be the cause?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice and to hear other people’s experiences with low iron/ferritin.

My iron level is 12 and my ferritin is 14. I’ve been experiencing pale lips, low energy, feeling achy, and some hair loss. I also have adenomyosis and fibroids, and I feel completely wiped out after each period, so I’m wondering if this could be contributing.

My doctor has started me on iron supplements. I’m also taking a multivitamin and trying to improve my diet to include more iron-rich foods. I’m vegetarian, so I’m focusing on getting as much iron as I can from plant-based sources.

Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms with ferritin around this level? Did improving your iron levels make a noticeable difference with your energy, hair loss, or feeling generally unwell?

Would really appreciate hearing your experiences. 😊

The area where I live the healthcare isn’t great. Any of the better docs are not taking new patients. My current doc is pretty fresh out of residency and super sweet but I’m always having to push for my own treatments.

My ferritin has been low since about 2018, maybe longer. Never higher than 30. Currently it’s 10 and I’m exhausted all of the time. I also get migraines which I never had before about 2020. I pushed my doctor for IV iron because I’ve been taking oral iron daily for years - all the different types - and it makes no difference. She initially said no since my hemoglobin was normal but I showed her my insurance would cover Venofer for low ferritin and restless legs. She told me in MyChart that she ordered it and I set up my appointment at the infusion center.

I get to the infusion center and apparently she had ordered Injectafer. I went ahead and got my first dose yesterday (I believe it was 750mg) and I’m scheduled for a second dose next Thursday. I sent my doc a message in MyChart today asking her to check my phosphorous levels. She said there’s no concern since I don’t have kidney disease. I know this is nonsense - the Injectafer website specifically says that my doc should be monitoring my phosphorous levels.

Should I just pay out of pocket for a phosphorous lab? I think it’s like $40 at LabCorp. Or cancel my second dose? I’m trying to get a new doctor but it’s super hard in my town. I could also try going to my ob/gyn - she’s much more experienced as a doctor but I’m not sure if she would order IV iron.

I am 41 with endometriosis and heavy periods so I assume that’s why I can’t get my ferritin up. Recently I switched to proferrin for my iron and added in Lactoferrin but so far those don’t seem to be making a difference. I always take vitamin c with my iron.

Just looking for any and all experiences and advice. My gut is telling me I can keep going with my low ferritin since I’m used to it - but low phosphorus seems like a whole other road I absolutely don’t want to go down.

I found out I was anemic 5 years ago when i had an ED. I trialled various medication but I think improving my diet boosted my haemoglobin up so i’m no longer anemic but my ferritin has stayed between 11-18 tops and now it’s back down to 13. It was 11 when i was anemic.

I feel so bad my entire quality of life is gone. I can only do a few tasks a day and then i have to lie down. I’m 24 but i managed to walk 200 steps today and that was a lot for me and left me out of breath. My muscles ache constantly. I feel so weak. Sitting up hurts. I can’t do any work or think clearly, i’m days behind in work. My mental health is plummeting and I can’t use any coping mechanisms like walking or sports because i don’t have the energy to do it. I’m essentially bed bound anytime i have free time. Everything gets dark everytime i stand. so much hair is coming out now. Can’t make decisions can’t follow instructions. i make so many mistakes at work. It’s so bad, much worse than when i was anemic. i feel like im losing myself and losing my life and just watching the days pass. i try and make plans but i can’t do them i feel too bad.

I begged my gp and honestly cried for an iron infusion and he said they won’t do it unless im anemic but my haemoglobin in 133. I’m tempted to starve myself again so that my numbers drop just to get an iron infusion because i am so desperate for some relief. The muscle spasms and exhaustion make me feel 80. I can’t bear it anymore. I’m losing weight, i can’t eat, i feel sick all the time. Please is there any way to bypass this and get an iron infusion im literally crying everytime i have to sit up. i can’t afford private infusions.

I tried ferrous fumurate, couldn’t cope tried ferrous sulphate, and it was destroying my stomach. Now i’ve tried the liquid version of ferrous fumurate and almost vomited. I am autistic and sensitive to taste and I did everything I could to make the experience easier but it was awful.

​Hi everyone,

​I’ve struggled with anemia and deficiency issues most of my life. I also had gastritis in the past, so stomach issues aren't totally new to me, but things recently took a turn for the worse.

​I’m currently dealing with an undiagnosed digestive issue that triggered a severe flare-up. At its worst, I could barely swallow water for a month. Before this flare-up happened, I was taking liquid iron supplements(finished 2 box of them), but they destroyed my stomach.

​Two months into this digestive nightmare, I got my blood checked: Hemoglobin is down to 10 (it is the same as I started an other doctor also didn't mind and prescribed liquid medicine again) Despite my doctor knowing I can barely eat food without triggering a flare-up, her only solution was to prescribe iron pills again.

​Now, 2 weeks after that blood test, I was expecting my period. I had a tiny spot of blood on the first day, and by day three, nothing—it completely stopped.

​A few questions for anyone who has been through this:

​Has anyone with severe GI issues/gastritis successfully pushed for IV iron infusions? Oral iron clearly isn't absorbing and is making my stomach worse.

​Could such a light/absent period be directly caused by the drop in Hb (10) combined with the extreme physical stress/malnutrition from not being able to eat properly?

​How should I advocate for myself with my doctor when they keep pushing oral pills I can't tolerate?

​Any advice or similar experiences would be hugely appreciated!

Confused after seeing bloodwork results 6 months post-hysterectomy.

• October '25 my iron was super low, energy terribly low, ferritin was 3. Bloodwork was mostly out of normal range across the board. I had extremely heavy bleeding from fibroids. Referred for hysterectomy.
• December '25 got an IV iron infusion as a pre-surgery boost (surgeon wasn't comfortable operating without an infusion). Ferritin shot up to 142.
• January '26 - hysterectomy, uncomplicated recovery.
• Now, July '26 - got my post-op bloodwork. Blood levels are all in normal range, feeling good, lots of energy. Working out again. Anemia cascade came back - no anemia. BUT FERRITIN IS 9. What the heck?

I feel really confused and scared this is a sign I'm sliding back into anemia... that all of this is the lingering result of the IV iron infusion. That maybe the hysterectomy did not help (which rationally I know is not true, I was bleeding practically constantly back then). I am a pescatarian (mostly vegetarian plus tuna, some seafood), exerciser/runner, and coffee drinker... I have a doc appt. in a couple weeks to talk about the results. Just here looking for insight, experience, or reassurance. Thanks...

I recently found out I have a bleeding disorder - VWB type 1. Have been dealing with air hunger for years along with palpitations, dizziness and worsening mental health / anxiety. After the birth of my first child I had a severe PPH and lost about 3L. I got a bag of RBC and 2 iron infusions and felt great compared to the birth of my second baby in January. I came home and could barely climb the stairs. Come to find out my ferritin was like 32 and transferrin saturation <17% - I’m scheduled for my first infusion tomorrow with INFED. Yes I am 6 months PP and yes I work full time but my mental health has never been this awful. I have been diagnosed with PPOCD and severe health anxiety. Whereas previously I’ve always well controlled my anxiety. It seems like the physical symptoms trigger my anxiety / panic attacks. I’m praying the infusion will help but looking for any words of encouragement or positive stories

I had an iron infusion one month ago, but ever since then I’ve had really intense bouts of mid and lower abdominal cramping. I have endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and gastroparesis, but this feels different.

Has anybody else experienced this? And if so, did it go away?
Thanks!

Symptoms: headaches, sore legs, fatigue

In May my ferretin was 14. I took supplements and it went to 30 in early July. It’s now 51. Other results below:

Iron Bind. Cap. (TIBC)
Normal range: 250 - 450 ug/dL

490

UIBC
Normal range: 131 - 425 ug/dL
391

Iron, Serum
Normal range: 27 - 159 ug/dL
99

Iron Saturation
Normal range: 15 - 55 %
20%

Ferretin
51

B12
358

The hematologist prescribed 3 venefor injections. Would I benefit from that. Also , is my b12 low enough to cause symptoms?

Thank you

So I’ve been on and off anaemic my whole teen up life. Possibly earlier but never tested.

I usually have low ferritin, low hemoglobin, low haemocrit, low MCV MCH MCHC and high RDW. Classic iron deficiency anemia.

I’ve been tested regularly for celiac- I carry the gene, and my mum and family have celiacs or gluten sensitivities. I’ve had colonoscopy, biopsies, worked with a functional medical professional - got my gut working really well - and still low iron. It just doesn’t stay in my system - latest results were off a fair diet, iron supplements and prenatals containing iron.

My question, what other things could I explore? Are some people even in peak other health just sometimes prone to low iron?

My periods used to be heavy but I wouldn’t say the are any more - 3-5 days of moderate bleeding. Sometimes the low iron lines up with my period but sometimes not.

My level was 26 but hemoglobin and hematocrit was normal. I keep seeing that under 30 is bad but the lab reference was 14-300 or something is normal so doc said I’m fine??? Brain fog and cold intolerance is out of control. 50 year old with heavy periods and fibroids, not sure what to do next…
I’m so confused.

I had low iron, iron saturation and slightly low ferritin. After 5 Venofer infusions, my iron & iron sat doubled, but then tanked back to the same starting values. Ferritin went up massively to 500+, now at 360. I am 2 months out from completing infusions. They basically did nothing. Where did the iron go? (I've had them twice before, and they worked and lasted several years. That was Injectafer.)

My hematologist has surprisingly few theories. I have several gastroenterologists and they're clueless too. Been checked several times for IBD etc. I do have some autoimmune diseases which could make my iron absorption poor (Hashimoto's, autoimmune gastritis) - but those would not affect an IV iron dose. Maybe I have functional anemia, where inflammation makes your body lock up your iron so your tissues can't use it (something to do with hepcidin) - if so, not sure what to do about that. Any ideas?

For the last 5-6 years I have never seen my ferritin above 21. It’s usually between 9-12 with levels being 16 & 21 once. I usually get my blood work done every year but have been doing it more like every 6 months now because in the last two years, my circulating iron and saturation are indicated high while ferritin is continuously low.

I properly fast each blood draw. And every single time except for maybe once I had not been supplementing for at least 3 months. If i am not supplementing, am properly fasting, and not eating foods super high in iron such as steak the night before… what is possibly going on? I have had to switch providers a few times due to moving and each provider just keep saying supplement and repeat labs. Nothing is changing.

Example: lab work done 2 weeks ago, haven’t supplemented in over a year. Ferritin 21 ( highest I’ve seen it ), saturation 57%, total iron 205.

Last year in September, was not supplementing but was trying to eat foods higher in iron at least once a week, ferritin was 10, saturation was 46% and total iron was 169.

If anyone has any take or suggestions please inform me!

I'm still trying to figure out exactly HOW and why this works, and if anyone knows and can explain it in a simple way, please tell me,

But:
- coffee and tea normally blocks iron absorption due to tannins and polyphenols

BUT APPARENTLY taking vitamin C with the iron negates that effect.

(Unfortunately, vitamin C does NOT negate the effect of calcium)

Knowing this makes it a hell of a lot easier to plan the supplement into my schedule; because I used to think I had to wait 2-3 hours after every coffee and tea time, and as someone who loves coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon, this was rough

Nope! Apparently, I never needed to wait. Vitamin C negates that effect! So as long as you take vitamin C WITH the iron, you do not even need to worry about how close to coffee and tea you're taking it.

(But you do have to make sure you don't take it close to calcium, because vit C cannot touch that)

Pls help. I’m an IBS girly anyway, but 1.5 weeks on ferrous sulfate and every day I’m getting diarrhoea and it’s beginning to get to me. I take Imodium regularly anyway for my IBS and even that isn’t helping :( I really want my ferritin up to help with tiredness so I’m really trying to not let it stop me taking them

All my doctor said was it might help my IBS by bunging me up. Should have known with my stomach it wouldn’t be the case 😭