Anyone else suffer from low iron (ferritin)?

Back in February my ferritin was 6 and I felt tired constantly. I began supplements along with vitamin C, B vitamins and copper plus more iron-rich foods and reached 50. If pills don't work an infusion is another option.

Iron is hard to supplement because absorption is so low and the pills themselves feel unpleasant. I was severely anemic and eventually needed an IV to deliver more iron in one go than months of pills could provide.

I began at 20 and took 100 mg every other day for three months but ended at 16, so it didn't help. The two main choices now are a specific protocol or infusions. I'm leaning toward an infusion because the protocol sounds difficult and I'm doubtful it will work after the earlier dose failed. The protocol is said to last one to three months while an infusion may last seven to nine. Without fixing why levels are low, repeats will probably be needed. Acid reflux meds and hormone treatment might be contributing factors. A colonoscopy didn't solve it even after polyps were removed. I never thought I had fatigue but lately realize I'm pushing through workouts mostly by willpower.

You should get checked for possible blood loss somewhere. I recently switched to a different iron form hoping for less stomach upset and better uptake. My doctor wouldn't approve an infusion until I tried pills for a full year.

Low iron is just a test result, not a diagnosis, so the reason behind it needs to be found. Common causes include menstrual blood loss or low dietary intake, but in men or outside certain age groups further checks are usually required to rule out slow gut bleeding or other issues. Long-standing low levels can point to conditions like gluten intolerance that sometimes go undiagnosed for decades. Investigating the cause is as important as raising the number itself.

What iron supplement are you currently using? Older types absorb poorly. A different form may be worth considering.

Thanks for starting this. I really need to get my levels checked. I've always been low and lately have very heavy periods, fainting spells, and can barely get out of bed except when the kids need me. It's exhausting.

Talk with your doctor about which iron pill you're taking. Many still recommend older versions with low absorption. Even though a better form is available over the counter, ask specifically and have the doctor look into it. I'm not promoting any product, just noting the difference in how well it works.

Ask your doctor about trying every-other-day dosing. Some people who don't respond to daily use start to improve when they switch to that schedule. The lower strength taken every other day is one approach worth discussing. If levels rise then, the issue may be solved.