I'm new here and looking for some help. I had my ferritin tested, it was low 8.97 (25-150) although I'm not anemic, I don't think. So now I need to take iron supplements. Can someone give me the rundown on iron supplements. Whats the difference between iron supplements you can buy in the store and ferrous sulfate or ferrous this or that.

By the way is anyone out there familar with the thyroid ferritin connection. I was dx with hypothyroidism in March 2003. However the meds that I need to take are EXTREMELY toxic for me and I can't help but think the docs have missed something. Since starting thyroid meds, about every 3 months it seems another system/organ/hormone in my system is falling apart. The docs just keep throwing more meds at me but they don't seem to get to the root of the problem. So is there some thype of conection between the thyorid and low ferritin that could cause such a toxic reaction for me.

Robin

I'm sorry I cannot comment on the Thyroid + ferritin (not sure what that is even), I can only comment on the anemia. You may want to do a search on a web search page such as Yahoo by typing in "throid" + "ferritin" to see if you get any links with suggestions.
As far as the iron. Most people with anemia are recommended to take ferrous sulfate although there are other kinds. It is basically the element name for "iron". the real only difference btwn the over the counter and the prescription is that the otc is not as strong. I was VERY anemic so I had to take an rx for 325 mg 3x a day. If you are recommended to take this hig of a dose then you should also take a stool softener with it to avoid stomach problems.

THe most common iron people take as a supplement is Ferrous Sulphate (Sulfate in the US). It's the most easily absorbed by your body. However, it can be a little harsh on your stomach and some people get cramps and constipation with it.

If this does happen to you (and it did to me) the easiest thing to do is discuss it with your doctor. there are many other 'kinds' of iron and iron preparations that can be taken. It's just a matter of finding one that suits you. Especially look for supplements that have Vit C with them, as this helps you body to absorb the iron.

Not only that but your can boost your ferritin level with your diet too. Lots of green veg etc.

I've never heard of there being a direct link between anaemia and hypothyroidism, though I'm in no way an expert.

Thanks for the input. I've ordered some iron from Solgar (not sure if that is US or UK brand). Anyway it's slow release and is suppose to be easy on the stomach. To the best of my knowledge I am not anemic, it's just my ferritin that is low. Does that make sense?

By the way do any of you ever have pains to go along with being anemic or iron deficient? Pains in the side, kidneys, liver or in these areas? Maybe some of you can give me a list of some symptoms. I've done lots of searching on the web but it's always pallor, fatigue, temp regulation but thats usually what the 'experts' say. What I want to know is what the sufferers say.


Robin

robinhy,

Slow release iron is good, much kinder to your stomach. That's what I take.

I understand what you're trying to say about having a low ferritin. I have the same thing. I was anaemic, i.e. I had a low haemaglobin, but now I have a normal haemaglobin with a low ferritin.

Think of it this way, ferritin is you iron store and haemaglobin is the iron you are currently using. To put it very simply. Therefore, although your body has enough iron to function on day to day, the store is low. It can stay like that a while, but eventually, once your stores are totally exhausted, your haemaglobin will start to drop. That's why you need to replenish them now with the iron tablets.

You still technically have iron defiency anaemia. A lack of iron.

I've never experienced any pains in my torso area due to anaemia (to my knowledge anyway), but I do get restless leg syndrome with it. I can tell exactly wat my blood is 'doing' due to this. When I start to get the pains and restlessness at night I know I need to take my iron tablets again. I think t's just my body's way of telling me and it works pretty well.

I have heard that some people can get all kinds of pain associated with it. Maybe someone else can fill you in:)

Regarding above post/Tauri you can be iron deficient but not anemic. Iron deficiency anemia is when your HGL falls below range as a result of low iron stores. Other blood counts (Hct,etc) will be affected as well as they are all interrelated. I'm ALWAYS iron deficient (my ferritin scores typically fall between 3 and 5) BUT, I'm NOT always anemic. I've gotten several rounds of IV iron which has brought up my blood values and kept them in the normal range for a period of months. Only when they sink back down and my blood counts reflect that drainage of iron do I become anemic again. Does this make sense? :)

THe most common iron people take as a supplement is Ferrous Sulphate (Sulfate in the US). It's the most easily absorbed by your body. However, it can be a little harsh on your stomach and some people get cramps and constipation with it.

If this does happen to you (and it did to me) the easiest thing to do is discuss it with your doctor. there are many other 'kinds' of iron and iron preparations that can be taken. It's just a matter of finding one that suits you. Especially look for supplements that have Vit C with them, as this helps you body to absorb the iron.

Not only that but your can boost your ferritin level with your diet too. Lots of green veg etc.

I've never heard of there being a direct link between anaemia and hypothyroidism, though I'm in no way an expert.


Hi :wave:
I too have hypothyroidism and VERY low iron level 3.0. The doc put me on chromagen since the over the counter iron supplements were tearing my stomach up. The chromagen is much easier.
Make sure though that you don't take the iron with your thyroid meds, one cancels out the other. I usually take my synthroid in the morning and chromagen before I go to bed with a glass of orange juice.
Green veggies are good but the doc told me that those alone will not do it, your body just won't absord enough from them to replace your low iron levels, so you have to take a supplement as well.
Although I have never heard of hypothyroidism having anything to do with anemia or visa versa. I've been on meds for my thyroid since 1982 but have just been diagnosed with anemia this past June.
Linda :)

There is a product that I have use over time that helps with Iron level and ferritin -- Liquid Liver Extract -- made by Enzymatic Therapy. It really works because it is easy to absorb and does not cause any stomach or costipation problems that go along with Iron Sulfate.

YIKES!! It sure sounds disgusting!! Doesn't it taste horrible??? :eek:

It comes in a soft gel type capsule-- no taste -- it is a food !!!

Whew!! I had visions of pouring out a tablespoon of liquified liver!!! :D