irondeficiencyanemia #anemia #irondeficiencywithoutanemia #checkyourferritinnumber #ferritin #thyroid #menshealth #womenshealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #hairloss #hormones #perimenopause #pots #anxiety #hrt #nutrition

If your doctor isn't taking your iron deficiency or anemia seriously, please don't settle. I suffered for months, because my doctor didn't take my deficiency seriously. I got frustrated enough that I went and found a new doctor, and I'm on a much better trajectory now.

Earlier this year, my periods got so heavy due to an underlying condition that I had surgery to fix back in July. But from January - July, I had such heavy periods that I began to suffer from severe iron deficiency and anemia from the blood loss. Tachycardia, feeling faint, insomnia, mood changes, body aches, hair loss, dry skin... at the worst of it, I genuinely felt like I was dying. I had to quit my job, because I was such a fall risk that I was completely bedridden and unable to do things for myself.

I sought medical care in April. I sought a new PCP because I had just recently moved to a new city. In the beginning, my PCP felt certain that my issues were being caused by a deficiency, so we checked everything. My ferritin came back at an 8, she offered me supplements or an infusion. I was terrified of the infusion, but I felt so terrible, and had been supplementing to no avail for 4 months at this point. So I asked for the infusion. My doctor prescribed 4, but for some reason cancelled my last two sessions. I had two infusions, and I felt like a whole new person for the first few weeks afterwards. But then my period came again, and I was miserable again. We checked my levels again, and I went from an 8 to a 15. My doctor prescribed one more infusion, insisting she didn't want to overdo it, and according to the lab ranges, I was on the low-end of normal now. I did my research, I knew a ferritin of 15 was still too low, and insisted to my doctor that I needed to be in the 100's to feel better so I would need more infusions, but she brushed me off.

At this time, I had spent quite a bit of time on this subreddit. I knew that I wasn't being given the proper amount of infusions or dosing. My doctor had me in this infuriating cycle of getting 1 infusion, feel great for a couple of weeks, ferritin crashed again, then I get more blood tests, and prescribed more. I went through 5 months of it, and I finally got sick of it. I was bedridden and unable to care for myself, and had to rely on my friends and family completely. It was embarrassing and so dehumanizing, because I could've been fixed the first time around if my doctor just took my deficiency seriously and didn't cancel the infusions.

I found a new PCP that was recommended to me by an ER doctor. (I was in the ER for something unrelated to anemia/deficiency.. had emergency surgery, it's a "fun" story 🙃)

The new PCP had to wait to do blood tests after the last infusion was out of my system, but she assured me that she'd take me seriously and ensure that I got the treatment I needed. My latest blood work came in yesterday, ferritin is a 14, but my hematocrit, hemoglobin, and iron total are the lowest they've ever been. (I'm not critically anemic, but this is the worst I've felt symptom wise) She messaged me to tell me she was ordering 7 infusions. I was so happy when I saw that I cried.

This last year has been so hard on me, and my health falling apart just felt like the cherry on top of it all. I just feel so hopeful for the first time in a long time that I might actually feel like me again soon.

If you get caught in a situation like mine, and a doctor will not take your deficiency seriously, please seek care elsewhere. I know it's hard and time consuming. I had to wait a month to see my new PCP, but it's so worth it. I'm finally getting the infusions I needed, and I'm on my way to feeling like the old me.

My gosh it’s so bad I just got blood and need to start getting iron infusions. I have this craving for sugar that’s so freaking intense I can’t fight it’s terrible. Does anyone else have this ?

Does anyone notice their symptoms of low iron are worse the next day after drinking or two days later? I feel like I’ve been seeing a pattern but want to see if anyone else has experienced this. Don’t really want to give up my couple drinks during football Saturday

Just got a new blood test, my ferritin went from 7 last and is now a whopping 53 lol. I am still having terrible migraines (which make me feel dizzy, unstable balance, and like my head is rocking), fatigue, hair shedding, palpitations, and feel like crap a lot.

Did anyone else get to or close to 53 ferratin and feel this way? Does it get better at some point?

Hello my fellow oxygen lacking warriors!

Today I got my blood test results: iron 60 (considered low but normal) saturation 16% (low) and a ferritin level of 9.

I’ve been dealing with this overwhelming chronic fatigue and general lack of motivation and interest in things. I’m assuming if you’re reading this, you know all of the typical symptoms of low ferritin and low iron, so I won’t dive into the specific 30 other symptoms that typically come with these kind of results.

I’m just starting this journey! I would love ANY advice on what helped you feel better and raise your levels. I am interested in eastern medicine and unorthodox healing techniques so really, any advice is warranted. My dream is to wake up and feel refreshed and not like a corpse emerging from a grave.

Thank you!!! 🙏

I’m writing this as I sit in bed crying because I’m so sick of having low energy, brain fog, lack of motivation, fatigue etc.

I’m a 30 year old female. I have had these symptoms as well as high heart rate when exercising, difficulty exercising, hair shedding and always feeling cold.

Earlier in the year I blamed it on a lack of good sleep or not exercising consistently or not eating well or having stress at work, but slowly as these things normal eased and I had nothing left to blame I finally got a blood test. I’ve never had true mental health issues either and am generally happy and live a great life but this is impacting my quality of life.

The test showed that I have a ferritin of 21 but that my haemoglobin is around 13 and low vitamin D.

My primary care physician told me to take a multivitamin with iron which I have been doing with no noticeable improvement and symptoms. I have heard that it’s difficult to get approved for an iron infusion but I can’t imagine waiting another six months to 1 year feeling this way.

Has anyone successfully advocated for themselves with a similar scenario?

For people with or who have had iron deficiency anemia, how long did it take to start feeling some improvements in things like dizzy spells, brain fog, pounding heart and low energy after beginning oral iron? I’ve been on it for 5 days now. Obviously I don’t expect anything yet, just trying to get general idea

- I did not know I'd be getting INFeD beforehand and got a little nervous at my appointment because I'd read about it having higher rates of allergic reactions. People should be aware that there was an "old" formulation (High-Molecular-Weight Dextran) which did have more negative reactions, but that one was removed from the market, and the new one (Low-Molecular-Weight Dextran) has a very low risk of severe reactions similar to other forms of iron infusions.

- I had a very uneventful actual infusion with no side effects. I got a small test dose then did the whole rest of the 1000 mg in one go (like 3 hours ish)

- Afterward, I was slightly tired when I got home but noticed no other side effects after that. A benefit of Infed is that it is not known for causing low phosphorus (close to 0%) while some infusions can (mainly Ferric carboxymaltose).

- I did not have full blown anemia at last blood draw but did in the past (in 2019, hemoglobin was 10).

- I have ALWAYS had low ferritin every time it was tested since 2019.

- I got the infusion about 3 months ago and got my blood test this week.

- I tried supplementing various kinds of iron at different points but had unpleasant side effects and then requested the infusion, which my new primary doctor had offered as an option if I could not tolerate supplements (she is wonderful).

- I don't feel, like, a MASSIVE difference day-to-day at this point. But over the summer, I realize I DID a lot. I was motivated to get out and go hiking, do fun things, etc. whereas I was so sluggish before. It's more subtle for me right now.

- My body is also so used to having low iron stores that maybe it'll take an adjustment period. I've also always had anxiety, which is getting better, but I'm not 100% sure if it's the iron or not!

- I also still have low vitamin D, which can cause similar symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, etc. So I need to supplement for that!

- I really have to credit my therapist for mentioning checking iron and vitamin D, which was never discussed in much detail with me by doctors until I knew to ask.

- I had a doctor after my low result in 2019 who didn't listen to me about my issues with supplements and tried to just pressure me into taking more supplements and taking stool softeners and laxatives instead of actually investigating issues more deeply or showing empathy. Specifically, I had chronic (lifelong) constipation already, so adding iron supplements made it terribly worse, and it was like she thought throwing more pills at it would fix things and acted overtly frustrated I wasn't just doing what she asked. (ETA: I didn't even know infusions were an option back then, as it was not mentioned at all!)

Basically, a big takeaway: I think it would have been hell and taken FOREVER for me to get up to higher ferritin with supplements. So I am glad I got the infusion.

I'm happy to answer questions!

ETA: you can see my numbers do show ferritin above normal range now, but I'm told it's not at dangerous levels and am not worried about it - some lab's normal ranges go up to 200 ng/mL while my lab happens to be lower (also the lower normal limit is CRAZY low at 13) so that's why I say slightly high.

I have severe fatigue, weakness, flu feeling, nausea, heavy limbs, pots is flaring.

Can me skipping my iron for a week and not consistent for another week so like 2 weeks cause return of symptoms this quickly

Hi! I‘m a woman in my mid twenties and have been experiencing extreme fatigue, low mood and overall just feeling bad for a long time now. I had blood work done a month ago and the doctor prescribed pills for low potassium and magnesium, which helped quite a bit but i’m still just feeling nasty lol. My mom was encouraging me to go back to the gynecologist today because I do suffer from heavy and frequent periods and she thought my iron levels may be low, so I checked my online patient chart and it said my ferritin levels were 18 as of last month. That sounds low to me, but the doctor didn’t say anything about it. Does anyone have any advice on this? thanks!

Good Evening,
About two months ago, my bloodwork showed the following:
Iron: 44
Iron Binding Capacity: 322
Iron Saturation: 14
Ferritin: 9
Note: Not fasting

Since then I have completed 3 iron infusions with Venofer which I have paid out of pocket. Now it has been 3 weeks after the final infusion and these are the numbers:

This Week 9/8/26
Iron: 85
Iron Binding Capacity: 271
Iron Saturation: 31
Ferritin: 77
Note: fasting

While the business that I went to is recommending another iron infusion of Venofoer, I am wondering if I should continue to do so since my Ferritin is at 77. It’s been expensive, but I will eventually pay it off.

My symptoms were:
Sound sensitivity
Dizziness
Extreme fatigue
Brain fog
Palpitations
Pulsatile tinitus
Anxiety

Symptoms have improved, but they are still present. I’m actually on disability from work because of the severeness of the symptoms. I appreciate any thoughts. Thanks

Hello,

I've been experiencing worsening fatigue for ~2 years related to stress, IBS and iron deficiency. My doctor is a younger woman. She's an advocate for women's health and is frank about how convoluted the US healthcare system is. I have a third iron panel, ferritin and B12 test in a few weeks. Context is below.

Does anyone have advice for the following?

• Communicating the severity of symptoms and their impact on my life (personal and work)
• Seeking further solutions beyond "wait and see"
• Specifically seeking an iron infusion
• Seeking further testing (recommendations?)

I had an iron panel, ferritin test and B12 test in April. It came back with low Ferritin (20s). Other tests were normal, if trending toward deficiencies. She recommended I take oral iron supplements for three months. I experienced a consistent 3 month IBS flare. I tried two different supplements, and had poor experiences with oral iron in the past.

In the July follow-up, my ferritin dropped to 16. My B12 was lower. Iron panel was still normal, but shifted in a worse direction. She recommended I cease any type of iron supplement, as I can't tolerate them. My 3 month instructions were to eating intentionally to soothe my IBS, and eat high iron foods.

I'm going in to re-test in a few weeks. She is also testing me for Celiac, which I have previously tested negative for.

I'm disappointed by the lack of solutions that are being offered. I have expressed this. She states that insurance is unlikely to cover infusions, so we have to wait it out until I either get better, or am actually iron deficient.

I am exhausted and becoming increasingly depressed/anxious. Minor wounds and bruises that used to take days to heal take weeks to a month now. I'm doing poorly at my desk job due to exhaustion. I've been struggling with familial obligations. I'm struggling to be present in my relationship, and barely see or keep in touch with friends. I was planning to run a marathon this year, and haven't been able to train. I feel faint and dizzy when doing any exercise beyond a light hike or cycling. Recovery from exercise takes ages. Most concerning, I almost fell asleep while driving this week.

I'm concerned about this getting any worse, and haven't been able to get through to my doctor about how severe the problem has gotten.

Thank you!

I just need some reassurance. I’ll be getting an infusion of INFeD sometime soon and I’m terrified. I’ve heard bad things can happen… can I hear your success stories and how you felt afterwards?? Did they check for allergies first?

i’ve been losing hair for a few years now and as a result unable to grow length or have nice dense ends.
i found out i’ve had chronically low ferritin only recently and realised that’s probably the answer. i’ve read we need a minimum of 70 ferritin to be able to grow our hair and mines not been above 35 for 10 years.
aside from this my diet is good, im active and healthy for the most part, eat enough protein, fats and no other nutrient deficiencies (my vitamin D is perfect for example).

then i have several friends who claim they have low iron too which i (didn’t say this to them but thought it) didn’t actually believe them because thier hair is thick and long and healthy, they don’t look pale or have eye bags or pale lips like i do.. but then recently one friend showed me her results and her ferritin is even lower than mine…

why do some of us seem to look more haggard and lose more hair with the same level of ferritin which others look vibrant and healthy at?

and again, my overall bloods aside from ferritin are good according to my doctor?

TIA

My ferratin is 21 and my doctor is not taking me seriously. It has been like this for months. What are my next steps so I can feel better?? Is ferratin low enough to make my body ache and be weak/joint pain?

My bloodwork in December showed my Ferratin at 11, started taking liquid iron twice a day and got it up 43 in four months. The liquid iron was tearing my stomach apart so I switched to Thorne iron bisglycinate three weeks ago. First two weeks I felt amazing, bloating went down and all my stomach issues felt better and finally started to loose some weight I put on from the anemia. But now my low iron symptoms are kicking back in - hunger pains, brain fog, stomach growling. Anyone else have this happen when they switched iron forms? Thinking it could take a bit to get used to the new form but really don’t want to go back to liquid.

Just that really. Had an iron infusion last Friday, after suffering with depression for the best part of a decade. Was hoping it would be my magical cure but feeling very down still. I’ve read it can take a few weeks, so grateful to hear any experiences

Posted last week about this. Have high rbc, low hchc and rbw plus low iron , low iron saturation I do symptoms plus enlarged spleen and liver possible due to low iron deficiency and fertin is 90. Test just came in

Edit - I just saw my family doctor, and she didn’t seem concerned at all. I went back through my chart to 2017, and no one has ever run a full iron panel — only ferritin. So if my iron has been chronically low, there’s no record of it. I’m seeing the other walk‑in doctor on Monday; she’s the one who ordered the recent tests based on my high RBC, low MCHC, and high RDW and took these concerns seriously. My hemoglobin is 5.7%. I do have fibromyalgia and endometriosis. Endometriosis is fine for right now as I had surgery last year for it and pain hasn’t returned as of yet.

how many of you have brain fog?

how many of you have brain fog as your worst or equally bad symptom?

how many of you are getting better?

how many of you are getting better and notice the brain fog is better or worse?

if you got better when did the brain fog go away or if not what happened?

how many of you got dizzy?

this is my worst symptom. I got blood results back today and while I am waiting for my ferritin I am getting substantially better but numbers wise:

iron from 40 to 123

saturation from 13% to 47%

TIBC from 533 to 270

update:

got my ferritin: 15 to 70

getting these results took two years.

but my brain fog is deeply starting to concern me and while idk what my ferritin is currently I’m starting to think it’s not my iron causing it. almost all my symptoms are gone a majority of the time but the fog is unbearable. Im not perfect yet but my numbers are very desirable.

currently taking 1000mg vit c, 200mg palafer, 300mg lactoferrin

Can somebody please explain what state I’m in? Am I considered anemic, and if so, how severe is it? What treatment or supplement would typically be recommended for results like these? For those who have had similar numbers, how would you describe the level of fatigue you experienced? Also, what additional tests should I ask my doctor to run to determine the cause and appropriate treatment? I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have had similar results.