In September of 2025 my hair was falling out, I was having intense night sweats and had no energy and severe heat intolerance. I supplemented religiously with iron + vitamin c and could only bring it up 10 ng/mL to 36. My doctor still wouldn’t prescribe me iron infusions so I went out of pocket to a med spa and paid 500 per infusion for 3 200mg Venofer infusions 1 week apart in June— tested today, about 4-5 weeks later, and I didn’t need the test to confirm because my skin has color in it, I have energy, I feel mentally well, my hair isn’t falling out, I am better in every way. Well my ferritin is 168.

I’m so scared for it to drop again because the results have been truly life changing. I hope I can convince a doctor to prescribe me the infusions next time I need them.

Get the infusions!

Hello! This is a throwaway (I apologize)

I've had very, very low Ferritin since 2022. I'm not sure how long I had it before then too. Recently I finally asked my primary doctor to refer me to a hematologist because I guess he never questioned why it never returned to normal despite taking daily iron pills on and off through those months

Hematologist referred me to a Gl, and since then I've had quite literally every test possible, had two iron infusions in March (GI upset from iron pills) and in three weeks I'll also be doing a capsule endoscopy.

I've had stomach issues since I was in middle school all the way up to present day. Nausea, diarrhea, almost everyday since I was 14. One colonoscopy clear, three endoscopies clear, bloodwork mostly clear, fecal globin clear, celiac comprehensive panel clear, celiac biopsy clear, fecal fat clear, calprotectin clear, sed rate clear, c-reactive clear, pancreatic elastace-1 clear, H.Pylori clear, etc etc. I’ve also been given the 7 FodMap tests to do at home but haven’t done them. I’m just not sure if that testing was aimed to solve stomach issues or the ferritin issue I was there for originally.

I feel like to every doctor I go to I look crazy. I'm starting to consider the possibility that it's just malnutrition and I've been making an effort to put more thought into what I eat, but I know my diet over the years has been well balanced which makes me rethink malnutrition.

The latest thing my doctor told me was that they initially thought this was malabsorption but now that's been crossed off. I’ve had hair thinning, seeing black when standing, shortness of breath, easy bruising and racing heart. I'm just lost, anyone else have a similar experience and gotten to the bottom of their problem? I also included a picture of my blood work after my infusions. Is the ferritin number within reason or is that drop significant?

My ferritin has ranged between 7-15 for the last 3 years (most recently tested at 8 in early June). My GP simply said “probably just heavy periods, here is the same 3 month course of 200mg supplements you’ve tried 2 times before, which only brought your ferritin up by 7”.

I know a lot of others will have the same frustrating experience and it’s really pissing me off!

I take lansoprazole daily (and have since 2021 when I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia - which is also too small for them to bother operating on, so I guess I just have to live with it for now), and PPIs alone already hugely reduce vitamin absorption. Then I came off birth control in 2022 after it was causing debilitating ovarian cysts, and every year following my periods got heavier and heavier.

I have really heavy periods now (as in changing my pad every 1-2 hours for 3 days, huge blood clots throughout the day), blood clots during ovulation, sometimes after sex, etc.

My GP referred me for an ultrasound (transvaginal and external), the US tech suggested I might have fibroids but she couldn’t see them as my womb lining was very thick (think I went during ovulation). Had a few blood tests to rule out hormonal issues and ovarian cancer, all fine, and then my GP just decided that was good enough. Heavy periods and bleeding in between them is just normal for you now, good luck! See you again in 6 months for more futile iron supplements!

I’ve booked a private iron infusion (£1000, but hopefully 1500mg so that should help) and I’m trying to get another ultrasound at a different time in my cycle and a referral to a gynae. I want an endometrial ablation, but I just KNOW they’ll encourage me to go back on birth control again.

I know the NHS isn’t really “preventative” or proactive, and more reactive for when your health’s tanking, but it shouldn’t be this difficult. Especially when you’re hours away from the nearest private clinics and hospitals, and health insurance at work is awful (the only option I have at my workplace rules out paying for treatment for conditions I’ve suffered from within the last 2 years, so I’d get no help paying for rectifying my low iron, heavy periods, hiatus hernia, etc).

Anyway, women’s healthcare sucks and doctors are so frustratingly dismissive.

I’m crushed.

After years of trying to figure out what’s wrong with me, I finally made it to a specialist after being told my ferritin was “great!” at 30-40. Because those are high numbers for me. I’ve already had 2 infusions, when my levels were at 4 and 10, and I’ve already had to prove that I’m not capable of absorbing iron through my gut. I began taking iron supplements and my levels continued to drop - insurance made me do this for 3 months, while my ferritin was at a 6, before covering the first infusion.

So last week, I finally say a hematologist, who looked at my history and said that I’ll need an infusion every 3-6 months, that’s just the reality. That’s the only way to keep me level and over 100, and for me, that’s the level I need to be healthy.

And now I find out my insurance won’t cover any infusions unless I’m under 30.

I’m not suicidal, but I can see myself becoming so if the rest of my life is cycling through feeling healthy, to getting sick enough to get treatment.

Anyone else deal with this? On paper my ferritin levels are in the ok range, but my doctor, who went to medical school and specializes in this subject, says otherwise. How do you make the company listen to the doctor?

Mine is 8, and my hb is 7,7. I started 200mg(65mg elementaire) daily a week ago. I feel like the deficiency made me look older..

Sooo this caught me off guard, I'm guessing it's maybe more common than I thought but, after a week of iron supplements, I've suddenly realized I'm able to be startled again. It's almost as if I lost the ability to even have my nervous system react appropriately to external stimuli? I'm not even sure how to describe it, it was just crazy to think that I can't recall the last time I was startled by something behind me and actually had my body respond appropriately and with a normal reaction time. I'm hoping this is a good thing? Anyone else have this happen as their mind/body was slowly coming back online?

Just wanted to add my experience here. I just started taking my low iron seriously because it is dangerously low rn.

Started starting iron supplements- Thorne Advanced Iron Complex, 2 pills a day which was approved by my doctor, so 76mg iron bigly. And 600mcg of b12 which is about 25000% of DV plus vit C and folate) everytime I took it I would get nauseous and a headache/dizzy.

Last week, which was about the 4th or 5th time taking it, I had my first ever panic attack 30 mins after taking the supplement and had to go to the ER. It lasted for an hour and I thought I was going insane, dying, having a heart attack and stroke, all the things. I also had derealization which was the worst part of it, like not feeling grounded in my body Scariest experience of my life and they eventually had to give me Benadryl through an IV to put me to sleep. Next day I felt drained and jittery and eventually felt back to myself.

Too scared to take it again I had my doctor prescribe me something else. He prescribed Nirferex but it was way too expensive and my insurance doesn’t cover it. So he said I could just take the 150mg of polysaccharide iron without any b vitamins or anything extra until he can get me schedule for an iron transfusion.

I just took it with a meal and I’m feeling the jittery/dizzy symptoms again except I’m trying to keep it under control so it doesn’t spiral. My doctor doesn’t really think iron supplements can cause anxiety but I don’t have a history with panic attacks/clinical anxiety. Also the fact that I had only been taking it for a short time and had bad symptoms without fail 30 mins after taking it definitely says something. If anything I don’t think it necessarily caused the panic attack. But it definitely caused the dizzyness and heart palpitations which my body perceived as a threat and thus led to a panic attack

I’m scared to try the iron infusions now but def have to because my ferritin is a 5. I attached my other results below. Doctor suspects it’s because of my heavy period so I’m going to try yarrow tea and seed cycling to make it not as heavy.

I've had low ferratin, and iron deficient anemia since my 30's. I recently moved to Korea and my hemotologist says it is fine since I'm barely anemic. I'm competing in a race(hyrox) in November. What can I do? Tried asking for a second opinion but the other hemotologist doesn't see western patients.

Any one know of an online provider I can use? I'll pay out of pocket. I'm also looking for any advice on increasing it.

Currently taking iron supplements and eating at least 120 grams of protein a day.

Hi. I am 32. I’ve had anemia basically my whole life.

I have low ferritin & iron levels. Can anyone give me successful supplements they have used to help improve their levels.

I heard you should take iron supplements with vitamin C & B12 to help with absorption. I also heard some people take copper supplements.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

So i’ll attach my levels and my choice of oral iron and vitamin C below.

My dr has me taking 325mg of iron with the vitamin c every other day. I started this regime a few days ago.

Today, I also started bupropion for excessive daytime sleepiness. I threw up all morning 🤦🏻‍♀️

Has anyone else had issues taking oral iron? What are your cost friendly suggestions for this?

Any tips on when/how to start building strength again and pushing myself cardiovascular wise? My ferritin is currently at 29 (might have been slightly inflated due to inflammation, but not sure). I'm currently supplementing iron at a low dose due (9mg to 18mg daily - which I realize is really just a maintenance dose) to my provider wanting to start slow to see how I react to it.

Admittedly, we still don't know for sure the root cause of why I'm low but suspect it's been going on for years and probably at least partially due to being female.

Context: I can currently go for carefully paced 3 mile walks on good days, and have worked my way up to being able to at least mow my entire lawn on a good day, but being able to actually workout again in a gym would be great.

Overall, I'm just eager to be able to live a semi-normal life, ideally feel capable enough to work a job again and not feel exhausted all the time. Anything, beyond that would be a plus, too! Considering lately I've mostly just been crashing hard for days after trying to mask as if I'm relatively okay for 3 days or so i.e. keeping up with others for normal full day of socializing, outdoor summer activities, etc., I'm really open to any tips to regain normality/feel like myself again.

Has anyone had changes in your cycle after Venofer. My last two cycles since my infusions have been longer, and the actual period itself is also shorter and much lighter. I don’t want to get too hopeful that fixing my ferritin could actually have such a positive effect on my cycle.

I've been having all kinda of symptoms lately and especially the last few months. These include more anxiety, workout fatigue, difficulty thinking clearly. daily tiredness, dizziness, difficulty getting stuff done, and now it's even hard to drive a car if I'm tired or going on the highway. It feels overwhelming and like I can't focus. That's my most concerning symptom.

All of my numbers look great (right?) Except for ferritin. I don't understand how my hemoglobin and hemocratit are above range, iron is in range, and yet I don't feel well. Any explanations appreciated.

Also, my ferritin was even lower last year (it was a 7) and I didn't have this much anxiety.

I am also getting managed for hypothyroidism. All of those levels have been checked twice.

I am 46f. Just restarted taking an iron supplement today.

I was recently told I need an iron infusion. However, i'm very confused why I need all this if my ferritin is high. It's freaking me out getting an infusion with these numbers. Im being told that inflammation FROM my crp is inflating the numbers. Has anybody had something similar? Still get an infusion? Im having 5 appts.

CRP 55

Iron 41

Iron saturation 16

TIBC 257

UIBC 216

Ferritin 263

TRANS Ferritin 213

Hemoglobin 12.5

I'm terrified of getting an infusion with my wonky numbers. However, ive been anemic with iron for 3 years, at least.

Trying to get a feel if getting myself within normal limits will make a significant difference.

This is the second little spot like this I’ve gotten on my left arm in the last few weeks. First one was near my left armpit, this one is near my left elbow. It looks kind of like a bruise but more red. It doesn’t hurt at all. No change in color if I press it. Anyone gotten little spots like these? Is it related to the anemia?

In the photo: the red spot is next to a mole, so disregard the brown spot :)

Been a lurker here for a while but am now in desperate need of advice, or just support if anyone has some to spare. I'm 58F and was diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia at my checkup last month - ferritin is 5 (!), hemoglobin is 10, folate and B12 are well within normal range.

Had already been having GI issues like reflux and poor digestion. I'm a pescatarian, no red meat/poultry and my diet is mostly based on trying not to make my GI symptoms worse.

Doc prescribed ferrous sulfate, i.e. pills of doom, which was not an option for me. I tried Thorne ferrous bisglycinate , 2 capsules every other day, for the past few weeks and do not have terrible GI issues with it, but I am experiencing insomnia and anxiety sensations which have made my days and my nights suddenly nightmarish. I couldn't understand it, since I'm already avoiding caffeine, chocolate and all that due to the gut issues. I was told it's the anemia itself that is making me sleepless and jumpy, and that may be, but why these symptoms would kick in AFTER I start taking a supplement is not making sense.

I am scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in a few weeks, to determine what may be causing both the GI issues and anemia. I am also getting a consult with a hematologist for possible infusions. But on a long-term basis, and for short-term relief, I am so confused about what to do when it comes to supplementation without making myself feel sicker. I realize I am not rhe only one with these issues and I've searched/read many posts here. Most folks seem pretty dissatisfied with their situation and are having a tough time finding a treatment that works. Is anyone in a boat like mine and is there any hope or remedies y'all would be willing to offer? This sucks and I don't want to think there's no better way to handle it, but maybe there just isn't. 😐

My ferritin is 10 and my hair is falling out. I have been healing gastritis since January and am still on a PPI. Since I can't do the oral pills because of the gastritis, my doc agreed to an infusion but just 1 of Venofer. In my research it seems like that is not enough. Anyone else only get one and see improvements?

Before and after results. I’m still tired and don’t feel as great as i did after the first infusions

I have a ferritin of 8.4. Was thinking of asking for an infusion but im already having a ton of hair shedding and am so scared it will cause more..

My daughter was diagnosed with low ferritin last year. It was at 4 and came up to a 6. She also has low vit D.

My daughter has auDHD and refuses to swallow pills, chew tablets, or drink liquids. The ONLY thing she will do is take gummies, but they can’t taste bad.

She is the same size as me and getting her to go to the doctor for regular bloodwork/follow ups is absolute torture.

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at this age and at 34 have chronic myeloid leukemia. I doubt either of those are related to this, but I’ve only been able to get her back to the doctor once since diagnosis.

Any advice for a very overwhelmed mother with a very difficult child? 💕

A gynecologist told me that I can't take birth control pills for the rest of my life, that it's going to give me side effects, it's bad for you, bla bla. I told her I have little no options because I already tried IUDs (they got expelled, probably because I have a lot of blood flowing 😡), I was tested and I don't have fibroids, or any condition to treat. She said I need to try a gluten free diet to reduce the bleeding. To which I responded I already tried it. She said if I had done it correctly I should have seen improvement. Excuse me, wtf.

Why do doctors never believe anything I say? Why are they so disrespectful? She provided No alternatives except this supposed diet, which I already tried and didn't work.