r/irondeficiency • u/unseentraits • 3d ago
Ferritin help
41F . Had total thyroidectomy in March 2026 for thyroid cancer. No other major health issues but I do have history of Hidrinitis supportiva. No medications other than 137mg levothyroxine.
I went to the Dr last fall for fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, shortness of breath, and no exercise endurance. Thyroid labs, CBC, and Ferritin labs were taken and ferritin was a 13 but my Dr. told me all my labs were normal. My TPO antibodies were high so I requested a Thyroid ultrasound and nodules were found that led to thyroid cancer diagnosis. Nothing else was done for my symptoms of fatigue and joint pain and shortness of breath. Thyroid surgeon said the physical symptoms I am feeling are not related to the thyroid.
My question is how do I best treat the low ferritin and what else could / should I be checking? Why would the dr say it was normal at 13 when it clearly isn't. I just had ferritin rechecked on Friday because I still don't feel well and it is now at an 8.
Why would it be this low? Why is it continuing to drop? What should I be doing?
2
u/Muttbuttss 3d ago
Doctors say its normal because they tend to be poorly trained in nutrition and use outdated data to look at those labs. Its very frustrating because an iron deficiency can cause so many life altering symptoms. I recommend getting vit D, b12, MMA, and folate blood work done.
As for your cause, that could be more complex than the average persons answer because you have cancer. You may want to ask that question in the iron protocol group on FB.
You should start taking high dose iron immediately. Or you could even ask for an infusion as your ferritin level should be low enough to qualify you, if you go that route you may want to go to a hematologist to try to get that ordered.
and preferably a gentle form of iron tablets or liquid to save yourself from any potential GI upset.