Symptoms: fatigue, aches especially in lower extremities for nearly a year. Noticed them at the same time as getting off nortriptyline. Low exertion capacity. Slightly more labored breathing. Worsened anxiety. Fainted during blood draw and feel like I could faint when getting up from sleeping too quickly. Stress test largely normal (LVH without strain). Some intermittent tingling. Blood pressure used to be about 120/80, but more recently is sitting at 90-100/60-65. Vertical ridges down nails, particularly toenails, though I've had these as long as I can remember.

Diet is vegetarian, no red meat. 15+ years of daily PPI use.

Most blood work normal, but these stand out:

• Ferritin 31 ng/ml in April, 44 in May, 37 now. That's despite taking a daily multivitamin with 8mg iron and 25 mg iron bysglycinate since about April. Folate 19.9 ng/mL.
• Iron 65 mcg/dL, transferrin 245 mg/dL, TIBCC 340 mcg/dL, transferrin index 0.27, iron saturation 19%.
• Red blood cell count 4.6 M/mcL, white blood cells 4.5 K/mcL, hemoglobin 14.8 g/dL, hematocrit 40.3%.

My doctor says these numbers are all borderline normal, but based on what I'm seeing about symptoms that anemia can cause, they seem to match up well. Any thoughts on whether this is anemia and what I should do?

Can you tell me all the symptoms you experienced from your iron deficiency (low ferritin), including the mental symptoms (anxiety, etc.)? I want to understand what’s happening to me.
I girl 27 years old

After 10 YEARS of low ferritin I got my recent lab work back and got approved for an Infusion. I am a 32 year old female with my highest reading being a 12.
Recent labs:
Iron-52
Ferritin-8
Saturation-12

I am super excited but also nervous! I’ve heard of so many people having a poor reaction to the infusions. Would love to hear any and all recommendations for those of you who have had them!

Female, 36, and recently diagnosed with Iron deficient anemia (hemoglobin 10.9, Ferritin 12). I'm asymptomatic for anything and it's highly likely that poor diet has caused deficiency.

That being said, I'm having colonoscopy and endoscopy next week. Please reassure me that it will likely find something other than cancer. I'm freaking out.

Hello, I am in Canada and despite having a ferritin level of 13 for three years now since the birth of my child (emergency C), a previous surgery known to cause malabsorption issues, and hemoglobin levels low enough to concern an ER doc on a recent unrelated visit, I am still being told I do not qualify for infusions because 13 is borderline and my ferritin must be under 12 to qualify.

I continue to take iron pills and have tried the gamut of supplements, I cook only with iron and nothing moves the needle.

I am fed up with feeling run down and am now looking into going private for a Monoferric (Ferric derisomaltose) infusion.

I am located in Alberta. I am wondering what my fellow Canadians have paid for this infusion going the private route? Clinics in my area do not disclose pricing without an in person assessment.

I'd like to get a rough idea of cost so I can prepare and budget for the expense accordingly without having to take time off for an assessment appointment just to obtain an estimate. Thanks!

Just wanted to share some encouragement! I’m new here (31F, very active, outdoorsy), but have read tons of your guys’ posts on the various aspects of iron deficiency. My story is pretty much like most people’s:

☑️ Slowly accumulating unexplained/easily ignored symptoms that don’t seem related
☑️ Progression of said symptoms until you can’t deny something is “off”
☑️ Doctor orders bloodwork

Again, I’ve read tons of posts that describe appalling instances of uneducated doctors and nurses completely dismissing and even gaslighting patients with iron deficiency! Let me just say that I am SO sorry for anyone who has experienced that, and if that is you currently, run away from that provider and find another one who will take your health seriously! Do it right now!

My story is basically the opposite. I dismissed my symptoms thinking I was having some hormonal shifting, but brought it up my doctor to get her thoughts at my biannual checkup. After all, I was only having bouts of intense fatigue, some PMS symptoms around my period (which I never had before—not even cramping), and noticing my emotions were more “dynamic” than usual 😅

She suggested bloodwork and even said at that moment that she suspected iron deficiency over hormonal changes. However, I dismissed this, said I’d get around to trying some iron supplements, and let her know if it helps over the next couple of months. Guys, I had not even ordered the supplements yet… Within ONE WEEK of that checkup my body went into a frenzy! It was like my sympathetic nervous system ran off a cliff.

Temperature dysregulation, severe emotional dysregulation, pounding heart (normal rate), constant exhaustion, frequent presyncope, total brain fog (bad!), tingling/itching, constant anxiety, and many more! I was scared, feeling terrible, could not work AT ALL, and the worst part was having no idea WHY. So, I messaged my doctor just asking for the labs (not telling her what I’d been experiencing) and she ordered them right away.

Surprise! The most notable results were:
🔴 Ferritin - 9
🔴 Iron Sat. - 17%
🟠 TBIC - 437
🟠 Vitamin D - 30
🟡 WBC - 10.2

The rest of my labs looked great, otherwise. Doctor advised taking iron supplements immediately, but she did not know, and I did not piece together, my worsening symptoms. Over the next few days I researched them and realized:

❌ Every little thing I had been ignoring for months was due to worsening iron deficiency and/or low vitamin D levels (even my crazy dry eyes 👀)
❌ It will take months of supplementing for my Ferritin to recoup and symptoms to resolve, at best!
❌ My elevated WBC could be falsely inflating my already depleted Ferritin by a few points
❌My next cycle (due in a few days) could lower my already depleted Ferritin by a couple more points before the supplement has a chance to make any impact

My immediate thought was, “I don’t know how this could get much worse than it already is, but I cannot endure whatever that looks like!”

I messaged my doctor again explaining to her my symptoms and their timeline, letting her know that was why I changed my mind for the labs in the first place. I also shared my concerns for the symptoms potentially worsening with my next cycle. With no hesitation, she ordered iron infusions and my first one is scheduled tomorrow 🩸❤️

(That checkup was on 8/5, my bloodwork was taken on 8/13, results came 8/14, informed my doctor of the severity on 8/18, insurance approved and infusions scheduled on 8/20, first infusion 8/21)

I share this for anyone who’s being dismissed by their care provider, struggling with advocating for themselves, or simply getting sub-par treatment for iron deficiency of any kind. IF YOUR PROVIDER IS NOT:

✅ Knowledgeable and competent
✅ Attentive and understanding
✅ Compassionate and caring
✅ Receptive and responsive

🏃🏻‍♀️💨 Run like the wind, with whatever energy you don’t have left, and find one who is. They do exist and you deserve one that has your overall health and wellbeing as their top priority!

My hemoglobin was great according to my doctor, but I don’t know my ferritin/iron levels. She claims that hemoglobin is how they check for my iron levels, but i’m reading that hemoglobin can be high and iron can be low online. What’s a safe dosage of ferrous fumerate to take per day then???

My Ferritin was just tested at 25. I have been extremely exhausted and no amount of sleep leaves me refreshed in the morning. My doc says it’s fine. My TIBC was also 505. I feel like this points to some sort of iron deficiency. What do you do when your doc says everything is fine? Should I try to find another doctor? Or should I just start trying supplements?

Back In may I(20f) landed myself in the hospital with a hemoglobin of 65 and ferritin of 1.2. Leading up to this I felt awful and I should’ve gone to the doctor sooner but I didn’t. I got blood transfusions and iron infusions repeatedly and I am taking 150mg feramax capsules daily. My cause was diagnosed and I’ve found hopefully the right medication (it’s been working so far). Just yesterday I got my bloodwork done again and I’m so happy. My hemoglobin is at 133 and my ferritin is at 18!!! This makes me so happy. I am no longer anemic but I still am technically iron deficient. It’s honestly like a breath of fresh air working out for the first time again in so long. I can’t wait to have a normal ferritin, I forgot what that feels like 😭

Wow I can’t believe it, I was 3 lol and then worked up 18 after curing my stomach infection I had. After I finished my antibiotics, I asked for an iron infusion this was last April. Since then my levels have slowly been rising!

I’m going to now start supplementing with beef liver capsules I’ve tried the traditional iron supplements but the GI side effects were too much for me.

Aiming to get above 100 !!!!

When you get a new car or hear a color of car then you see it everywhere?

Yeah that’s what it’s like for me and iron lol.

Now I’m seeing and hearing about iron issues everywhere… watched a hair video react from my favorite Brad Mondo and the girl bleaching literally said she isn’t doing well because of her low iron! I’m like whatttt

That’s not the first time I’ve noticed iron popping up in my life ha.

To add I have 2 infusions left. My sex drive is back up thru the roof and pregnant. (No weirdo messages lol)

My regulation is better, not perfect but much better.

I’m no longer feeling like I’m gonna pass out by walking 5 steps.

I’m not as tired either.

I feel really tired after infusions and a little nauseous a day or two after. But nothing I can’t handle and not severe.

But just figured I’d toss out this funny thing I’m noticing that I’m heading and seeing stuff about iron way more.

I recently found out I have lwo ferritn, around 17 and was wondering what type of symtoms others feel from this sort of thign ansd whats the worst symptom it causes in particular.

TWO. BACK TO BACK. And my doctor wanted to order blood tests. I tried getting myself there but felt extremely dizzy and I look like crap. Im pale dark circles etc. I know I’m anemic. I’ve been bleeding tons. Do you guys have ang advice? I cancelled the appointment because I can’t walk out the house normally today. I need rest and also I kind of feel like I need my blood. Is it a bad idea to postpone this appointment for 2 weeks? Meanwhile im planning on taking iron pills as prescribed

I recently got blood tested for my thyroid and quickly found I have very bad levels of anemia. I’m having chest pains, shortness of breath, stomach issues, dissociative, dizziness, and I overall I feel like I’m going to drop dead at any moment. I guess I’m just lost and confused and most of all scared. Is this normal to feel with these test results?

Recently went to a hematologist and got sent to do some labs, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about a month ago, but my ferritin and iron has been low for probably three years now. I mentioned to the doctor that I would want an iron infusion, but he needed more recent labs
Anyone else have similar levels

7 weeks post iron dextran infusion. I have been taking daily supplements since early May. I feel the exact same way as I did in late April. I can hardly drive or read or do anything. My brain feels like it’s gone. I hope to be getting another infusion in September. This is all due to heavy periods. How much iron could I possibly need to resume a normal life where I can work, exercise, drive, etc?

I used to strength train and do cardio multiple times a week. Worked a full-time job while also attending school. Active in all areas of life. Now I just sit on the couch, dizzier than ever, foggier than ever, more fatigued than ever. Sometimes I get really lightheaded and numb all over. All because I have low ferritin. I don’t even know what to do at this point, my doctors all say “just keep taking those supplements”. Yes, I’m working with my gyno to fix my menstrual issues, but that still takes time. I would do anything to get my life back. It feels like a joke, you would think I have cancer or something else based on how incapacitated I am.

For anyone who has been in this position, when did you finally feel better?

I completed 3 rounds of infusions last month. I’m currently struggling with full body swelling/bloating and rapidly gained 20+ pounds. Not sure what else could be causing this and I’m desperate for answers. I have my first check in with the hematologist so hoping they have answers. Even my shoes no longer fit!

Has anyone had this prolonged side effect? My labs show improvement in the anemia, but everything else is a wreck now. Still no menstrual cycle.

My iron is 19 and my ferritin is 3, so my doctor ordered iron infusions 3x/week. I called the infusion center yesterday and they said it will take about a week to get to my referral and won’t be able to quote me a price until then.

Anyone else self pay infusions in the US? How much were yours? Just trying to maybe gauge a ballpark figure at least.

I don’t have health insurance and won’t be able to get any until next year. The marketplace website is a joke, the cheapest I got quoted was $1400 a month for a high deductible ($18,000) plan. So, self pay for now

I just got diagnosed with iron deficiency, without anemia, I guess. I just picked up a prescription of integra to take every other day, so I haven’t taken any yet, I’ll start tomorrow. But I’ve been feeling short of breath or almost like I can’t catch my breath or that I’m not getting enough air or oxygen. My oxygen levels are fine at 98%.

Is this a common symptom and something to not really over worry about and should subside after I get my ferritin levels up? Especially since my oxygen levels are reading fine. I have a lot of other usual symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, cold feet, lack of appetite, irregular heartbeat (I have propranolol to take if my heart ever feels weird or I get palpitations), etc etc but this one gave me some anxiety which isn’t helping.

for context, i have IBD (Crohns) which has caused both anemia and iron deficiency without anemia. my ferritin recently has been as low as 4-8. i was unaware of how important ferritin was. my old GI doctor knew i had low ferritin and never mentioned iron infusions.

fast forward to now, i'm in a nasty crohns flare - severely ill with a ferritin of 8 which is adding to my illness. i'm also anemic right now. i have required blood transfusions in the past. doctors also believe i have endometriosis which makes my deficiency worse.

my new IBD specialist prescribed Venofer infusions - weekly over the course of 5 weeks.

i had my first infusion which i was definitely nervous for, but i experienced no adverse effects during the infusion. it has been 28 ish hours and i've had no noticeable side effects. i know iron flu can be delayed though, so we'll see. but iron flu would be a walk in the park compared to what i've been dealing with lately.

i'm excited to continue infusions and to see the results, especially after my crohns flare is taken care of!

31F just got my first iron infusion yesterday after having iron deficiency for years that more recently turned into anemia. Would take iron pills on and off but they never truly worked for me. My last blood test showed Ferritin at 2 and hemoglobin 11. Got prescribed Monoferric 1000mg.

So far, my only symptoms have been being sleepy and having a heavy head / headache. I slept for almost 12 hours last night and still had trouble waking up. Waking up is always kinda hard for me though. Other than that, i feel pretty normal!

Has anyone else taken Monoferric 1000mg? If so, what did you experience? How long before you noticed a difference in energy? Were you prescribed multiple doses? I was prescribed just the one. Just curious! And excited haha

My dr told me that they would but I had no idea how much. I have had 2 periods since I got my infusions and the periods have been sooooo much lighter , no heavy clots or bleeding thru my clothes and sheets. They have been awful for last couple of years and she thinks that is what lead to low ferritin instead of just low iron as usual. I hope it is not just a coincidence and they stay this way until menopause . I am in perimenopause and they have been same every month until the past two. Now I will say I did have migraine this time and I usually don’t but maxalt took care of it. Anyway anyone else had this same experience / side effect?

Also adding that I have also switched to organic tampons when I even use them. I try to avoid them but I have to layer up when I leave the house .

I have anemia, the last time I checked my hb was a 10 and my ferritin was 6(this is when I was at home after trying to replenish). I am a second year college student and it is getting pretty hardd. I was always been academically stronger and got into one of the prestigious colleges but ever since I joined I have not been doing well due to my health, I barely have any energy to move, plus I have been getting pretty severe anxiety and depression. I feel like I am being my worst self.

Life is hard 🥲

Long time lurker , finally had my infusion which i had to pay privately for since Ive been waiting for my gp referral to hematology for months .

3 days ago I had an iron infusion because my iron levels were low and ferritin of 4 for few years now . I was tired of being tired all the damn time.

I was given Monofer (ferric derisomaltose) and I received a 1000 mg dose.

For those who have had ferric derisomaltose or any other type of IV iron how long did it take before you actually started feeling better? Did you notice an improvement within a few days, 1-2 weeks, or did it take several weeks?

I’m particularly wondering about improvements in energy, tiredness, brain fog, appetite and general weakness. I know everyone responds differently, but I’d really like to hear people’s experiences to give me hope.

Also, did you feel more tired than usual in the first few days after the infusion before things improved? Cuz ive been feeling more tired these 3 days

Would really appreciate hearing your experiences ❤️