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How quick does ferritin go low

Posted , 7 users are following.

nat-152001
nat-152001

Last summer I was feeling really poorly, dizzy, couldn't concentrate, almost passing out, headaches, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath etc. and my doctor did a blood test and this showe my ferritin leve was 5.2 which apparently is really low.  I was prescribed ferrous fumurate tablets 210mg 3 times a day.  I was on these tablets for quite a while, until December last year, when my doctor decided i was well enough to stop them.  However, now I am beginning to feel ill again - headaches, extreme tiredness, dizziness and cannot concentrate and work, and feel really irritable.  Basically, all the same as i felt last year! So I've bought the same tablets as you can buy them over the counter, in the hope that they will make me feel better again!  But my question is, is it possible for ferritin levels to drop low again in the space of 3 months?!  (just to add, i don't have periods as i have the implant fitted!) Thanks, Natalie

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • jane75220
    jane75220 nat-152001

    Posted

    Yes iron levels can drop quickly. Did your dr investigate the cause of your low ferritin? You need to keep on top of this to avoid peripheral neuropathy. Sorry to alarm you but it is best to avoid the pitfalls.Do not be fobbed off. Are u taking any other meds?
    • nat-152001
      nat-152001 jane75220

      Posted

      No never found out why I had low ferritin! I'm not taking any other meds. I will make another appointment with gp!

  • sally_14743
    sally_14743 nat-152001

    Posted

    Hi 

    when your doctor said to stop taking them did he do a blood test? If yes what was your ferritin level .. 

    really you need to get a blood test done again ..

    just ring your gps ask to book a routine blood test for anaemia and they will either book it or insist you see a gp.

    i didn't think you could buy ferrous fumerate 210mg over the counter but I think you need to be sure u r anaemia before taking as too much iron is very dangerous. 

    Also if you are anaemic you need to find out why? 

    I think gps is needed.. 

    hope u get sorted soon 

    Sally 

    • nat-152001
      nat-152001 sally_14743

      Posted

      I had a blood test a couple of weeks after starting the iron and it had gone up to 13. Never had a blood test when I stopped the iron tablets. I think I will book another appointment then! Was trying to avoid that as it's weeks before an appointment is available!

    • sally_14743
      sally_14743 nat-152001

      Posted

      Between 30-200 is normal .... usually ferritin takes months to raise.. we absorb it very slowly .. i think an appointment is a really good idea .. 👍

  • rose12774
    rose12774 nat-152001

    Posted

    Hi Nat, my first question would be if you have had other tests done such as B12 and vitamin D? The symptoms of those issues can mimic iron deficiency.  WIthout a period I would wonder why the ferritin is dropping so low.  Have you been tested for celiac disease (that prevents vitamins and minerals from being properly absorbed) or do you have an ulcer (a slow bleeding ulcer can lead to iron deficiency)?

    I have struggled with low ferritin for a couple of years but finally had the IUD fitted and am hoping this ends the whole situation.  I still feel woozy most days unfortunately, but it has only been a month or so since the IUD was inserted. 

    Best of luck to you!

    • nat-152001
      nat-152001 rose12774

      Posted

      Hi rose, I believe my doctor ordered full blood test initially last year and the only thing showed was low ferritin. No haven't been tested for anything else, I think I will have to go back to see the gp! Was trying to avoid that as such a long wait and I don't get paid time off from work! Hope you feel better soon x

  • Karmaway
    Karmaway nat-152001

    Posted

    Hi Nat has the Dr looked into what's lowering your ferritin?

    • nat-152001
      nat-152001 Karmaway

      Posted

      Hi no he hasn't, last year was the first time I was diagnosed. I'll get another appointment with gp. Not 100% sure that's why I'm feeling like it now, only assuming as same symptoms as last year! I will ask for another blood test to check!

  • jenny19687
    jenny19687 nat-152001

    Posted

    I think iron and ferritin might be mixed up here. 

    Ferritin is the stores of iron and can change fairly quickly range is 20-200. Whilst iron is the amount of iron in the blood range 7-27. 

    If your iron (not ferritin as this would still be low) went up to 13 a few weeks after taking iron it makes sense that you would come off the tablets however you should be having blood tests every 2 months to monitor as they have not found the cause and your presenting symptoms. 

    Some good advice already posted ask to test b12, folate, iron, ferritin and full blood count. B12 and folate are usually easily solved with supplementation. The rest will help see if you need to be referred. 

    To answer your question levels can drop due to heavy periods, poor nutrition (vegetarian consuming enough iron), coeliac / IBS (not absorbing enough), pregnancy, fibroids, caffeine intake etc. The above tests will assist. 

    • Karmaway
      Karmaway jenny19687

      Posted

      Plus women's ferritin should really be above 60 or it's starting to run out 🤘

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