Low Iron

[Faithinpink]

Hi ladies, im freaking out a little. I had blood test done in Jan before I started swaying and my iron levels were OK. 31
Now I just got recent results back and iron levels are 9.

Really really pissed cause doctor said I got no choice but to go on sups . I'm taking 1 a day but was told to take 2, I figured 1 a day is better than none.
Anyone else taking sups for iron ? I'm thinking of maybe stopping them ovulation week ?

[Erin514]

It takes several months for iron levels to build up in your blood so stopping during ovulation week won't do anything. Nine is REALLY low. You should take the supps, you need them for a healthy pregnancy.

[trifecta]

I would take the recommended dose. We're considering TTC pink and other than folate and coQ10 the only thing I take is iron. I wouldn't worry about it at all because if you struggle with anemia you probably aren't ever going have iron-rich blood--you need this just to have baseline health.

It probably sways blue if aren't anemic and you eat a very fortified diet but that's not you.

[atomic sagebrush]

Take the dose as recommended by your doctor for a month and then reduce dose at that point.

Stopping them in O week does nothing and your body NEEDS that iron right now.

[atomic sagebrush]

I would take the recommended dose. We're considering TTC pink and other than folate and coQ10 the only thing I take is iron. I wouldn't worry about it at all because if you struggle with anemia you probably aren't ever going have iron-rich blood--you need this just to have baseline health.

It probably sways blue if aren't anemic and you eat a very fortified diet but that's not you.

:agree: I use iron supps for pink swayers on an as-needed basis and people do still get girls while taking them.

You need that iron to get and stay pregnant so it's imperative that you take it when you need to.

[Kitty0911]

I had to take iron due to the same problem-- my levels were exactly the same as yours. I was on iron for a few months before conceiving DD. I was on a TON of supplements because I ended up deficient in quite a few nutrients. I had been on the LE diet and intense exercise for a year by then so I was sure I was going to muck everything up by taking supplements. Apparently not, I still got my little girl. I think if you are truly deficient in a vitamin or mineral then taking supplements doesn't sway. It's when your body is already abundant in those stores that taking extra is not a good idea. My doctor also told me the reason I was not getting pregnant was because I had such low stores of vitamin D and iron.

[Faithinpink]

Thanks everyone for responding. I feel a lot better now, I will take what's needed as I know my body is struggling atm.
Just want to get pregnant now
Thanks heaps

[essnce629]

What's 9? Your hemoglobin or ferritin?

Take the iron. Low iron causes poor egg quality. I've been dealing with low iron (ferritin, not hemoglobin) for 18 months now and have been taking 450mg of iron for the past several months (300mg before then). Make sure you're not taking iron with dairy or caffeine, as both prevent absorption. Vitamin C increases absorption.

[Faithinpink]

Thanks enssnce, its my ferritin. Iam currently taking 1 tablet before bed as they make me feel sick .
I'm not too sure what mg they are but ill double check

[essnce629]

I'd see a hematologist if I were you. My ferritin levels were 8 and I was feeling like death. I really wish I would have saw a hematologist as soon as I found out so I could have had IV iron infusions which would have gotten my ferritin up quickly. Instead I've been trying to get it up with iron supplements for 18+ months now and every period I have I take one step back. I'm finally getting closer to the ideal 70-90 level as my ferritin is now 50. My gyn has put me on high dose progesterone only pills to stop my periods for a few cycles so I can stop losing my iron every month from my heavy periods.

[3 boys would love a girl2]

I agree with essnce 629 I would go and get an iron infusion. My ferritin was 8 also and I had an iron infusion (ferinject) and after a few weeks my levels went up to about 100. I concieved a baby girl about six months later and my ferritin was still at about a 100 so it didn't effect my sway. Hope this helps.

[atomic sagebrush]

I'd see a hematologist if I were you. My ferritin levels were 8 and I was feeling like death. I really wish I would have saw a hematologist as soon as I found out so I could have had IV iron infusions which would have gotten my ferritin up quickly. Instead I've been trying to get it up with iron supplements for 18+ months now and every period I have I take one step back. I'm finally getting closer to the ideal 70-90 level as my ferritin is now 50. My gyn has put me on high dose progesterone only pills to stop my periods for a few cycles so I can stop losing my iron every month from my heavy periods.

:agree: GREAT advice essnce!!!

I will actually take this a step farther and mention that ANYONE who is feeling lack of energy that seems inexplicable (especially if you're lightheaded) especialy on LE Diet OR pregnant - see a doctor and if your iron is low, do supplements or an infusion if needed. It is a night and day difference in energy levels and physical and even emotional well-being.

[Faithinpink]

Thanks ladies for all your advice on this. Appreciate it Xx

[essnce629]

I agree with essnce 629 I would go and get an iron infusion. My ferritin was 8 also and I had an iron infusion (ferinject) and after a few weeks my levels went up to about 100. I concieved a baby girl about six months later and my ferritin was still at about a 100 so it didn't effect my sway. Hope this helps.

Ahh, ferritin of 100 sounds dreamy! How did you feel at that point? Did you actually feel like you had energy? At a ferritin level of 50, I'm not freezing anymore or out of breath, but I'm still tired every day and can easily nap for several hours in the middle of the day. As soon as I wake up in the morning the first thing I think about is how soon I can take a nap! I also yawn a lot whenever I exercise (I do ballet twice a week), which I've read is a way for the body to get increased oxygen, which you're lacking with low iron.

Also, why was your iron so low? Do you have heavy periods? Or are you a vegetarian/vegan?

[3 boys would love a girl2]

Yes I felt much better when my levels were up my legs didn't burn when I went up stairs, had more energy, no restless leg, not so out of breath, had colour in my face, my feet weren't cold anymore and wasn't so lethargic oh an my hair stopped falling out! I think it's a combination of things not absorbing iron well and heavy periods.