Comments on: The link between low iron levels and fatigue, and why this diagnosis is often missed http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/ A Good Look at Good Health Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:43:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Dumrong Chiewsilp,M.D. http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-108677 Dumrong Chiewsilp,M.D. Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:52:05 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-108677 excellent information.One of my responsibility is taking care of the anemic blood donors,especially menstuating female blood donors.Many of them have serum ferritin lower than 15 ng/ml,that mean their iron store equivalent to zero.Trying to raise up theiriron store,not merely hemoglobin,I wonder what would be the optimum level of serum ferritin for them,for optimum health.Would serum ferritin level between 50-100 ng/ml be the optimum for optimum health.As we know,if not all,high serum ferritin is not benefit for optimum health,especially for cardiac health. excellent information.One of my responsibility is taking care of the anemic blood donors,especially menstuating female blood donors.Many of them have serum ferritin lower than 15 ng/ml,that mean their iron store equivalent to zero.Trying to raise up theiriron store,not merely hemoglobin,I wonder what would be the optimum level of serum ferritin for them,for optimum health.Would serum ferritin level between 50-100 ng/ml be the optimum for optimum health.As we know,if not all,high serum ferritin is not benefit for optimum health,especially for cardiac health.

]]> By: Dumrong Chiewsilp,M.D. http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-108669 Dumrong Chiewsilp,M.D. Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:14:37 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-108669 excellent information excellent information

]]> By: Carol http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-107910 Carol Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:32 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-107910 Oh....well I guess I'm in trouble. I got my blood test back yesterday with the test for Ferritin and I was quite shocked at the extent of my iron deficiency. So I went on the internet to do some searching. It states on my report that 20-291 ug/l is the range, while I tested 3. It's true that I felt very tired and lethargic about three or four years ago, and that I took iron tablets, but since then I've felt much better and not at all as tired as before. After reading your article, perhaps I should go and buy those iron supplements now and not wait until the weekend. When I asked for other possible causes aside from blood loss for my severe iron deficiency, the doctor ignored me and insisted that I eat more red meat and that the cause was most definitely blood loss. I'm not a vegetarian, and I eat red meat at least twice a week, so I wanted more information, eg. would it be malabsorption or something else? But instead I was brushed off. Maybe the doctor was oversimplifying things? Oh….well I guess I’m in trouble. I got my blood test back yesterday with the test for Ferritin and I was quite shocked at the extent of my iron deficiency. So I went on the internet to do some searching.

It states on my report that 20-291 ug/l is the range, while I tested 3. It’s true that I felt very tired and lethargic about three or four years ago, and that I took iron tablets, but since then I’ve felt much better and not at all as tired as before. After reading your article, perhaps I should go and buy those iron supplements now and not wait until the weekend.

When I asked for other possible causes aside from blood loss for my severe iron deficiency, the doctor ignored me and insisted that I eat more red meat and that the cause was most definitely blood loss. I’m not a vegetarian, and I eat red meat at least twice a week, so I wanted more information, eg. would it be malabsorption or something else? But instead I was brushed off. Maybe the doctor was oversimplifying things?

]]> By: Claire http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-103812 Claire Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:19:39 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-103812 Hi, I'm looking for a case study for an article on iron-deficiency anaemia for a Boots publication. I need to find a 20-something female (not a mum) who has been to their GP and been told to take iron tablets. I would interview you over email and we'd need to run a picture of you. If you're interested, please let me know asap! Thanks. claire.atherton@gmail.com Hi, I’m looking for a case study for an article on iron-deficiency anaemia for a Boots publication. I need to find a 20-something female (not a mum) who has been to their GP and been told to take iron tablets. I would interview you over email and we’d need to run a picture of you. If you’re interested, please let me know asap! Thanks. claire.atherton@gmail.com

]]> By: rachel http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-101472 rachel Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:17:08 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-101472 hi all, i have been suffering low ferritin for over a year i am a 22 year old female who has also been diagnosed with CFS. i am constantly tired and sleep most of the day, the fatigue leaves me lifeless some days. my ferritin has averaged at about 4 but when i collected my result 2day from hemotology was concluded at a 7. i may need a iron infusion i am waiting on a phonecall from hospital? hi all,
i have been suffering low ferritin for over a year i am a 22 year old female who has also been diagnosed with CFS.
i am constantly tired and sleep most of the day, the fatigue leaves me lifeless some days. my ferritin has averaged at about 4 but when i collected my result 2day from hemotology was concluded at a 7. i may need a iron infusion i am waiting on a phonecall from hospital?

]]> By: Denise http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-100047 Denise Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:50:06 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-100047 I live in the UK. I am 43 years old. I have been suffering with extreme fatigue, short term memory loss and lack of concentration. I just got my blood results and I was told that it was 5 - the norm being 3 - 20 (not sure what the measurements were). She told me I was fine but told me she thought I was depressed and has prescribed me pills for this. I really don't feel depressed, just down at having no energy. I started taking 14mg iron supplement today as I really do feel that my iron is low. My periods are extremely heavy. Please could you advise on the best course of action. Thankyou I live in the UK. I am 43 years old. I have been suffering with extreme fatigue, short term memory loss and lack of concentration. I just got my blood results and I was told that it was 5 - the norm being 3 - 20 (not sure what the measurements were). She told me I was fine but told me she thought I was depressed and has prescribed me pills for this. I really don’t feel depressed, just down at having no energy. I started taking 14mg iron supplement today as I really do feel that my iron is low. My periods are extremely heavy. Please could you advise on the best course of action. Thankyou

]]> By: sobti http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-90606 sobti Wed, 28 May 2008 04:32:04 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-90606 hello dr bariffa, Thanks for your article. As a child, teenager and young adult i have been very active, though my hemoglbin has always been very low between 7-8:50. and my BP has been very very low. At age 23 i was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, thinking back some of my symptoms had started around 16-17. Presently 'm taking 300 mcg of synthyroid. from late 80's to early 90s, i was feeling so low, fatigued,the best i could describe how horrible i felt " how a sugarcane must feel after going through the juicer!" In 1995 i came across a small book in which adr had said that if one has one auto -immune problem, the probability of multiple autoimmune problem increase. The book suggest B-12 deficiency, as i was feeling tingling sensation on my legs and , lost sensations in my left toe,plus was having terrible leg cramps. i mentioned this to my dr and finally after 7 yrs, she listened to me and ordered some test, called me later and said that u have severe B 12 deficiency and suggested B 12 shots , which i have been taking since Dec 1995 and i felt a lot better, even the sensation in my toe came back I felt better but not 100 percent.... around 6 yr back i was having mild stomach pain, my doctor was so confident that i had bleeding ulcer, so he put me through, upper and lower scope and both came out very clean and nice. my husband , who is a pediatrician felt that the pain seemed more like gall stone and eventually, it was discovered that i had 3 stones. i avoided oily food and was ok Around a yr and half ago i again started having constant pain so was suggested operation, but as i mentioned my heamoglobin was around 7:50 , so i was told either i can have transfusion or take 12 treatment of iron infusion. while taking the 2nd infusion my BP went very high. i mentioned this to the nurse and she called the doctor but he brushed it of saying that the iron infusion had nothing to do with my high BP. and arythemia I came home and my husband looked it up in the medical books and it clearly said that though in 30% pts , it lower the BP , but in 12 % of pts it can make it go up, ut the hematologiost wouldn't hear me out, finally i told him where to look and i guess i offended him. i went to a friend, who is a cardiologist, because of the arythemia, the surgeon wouldn't do the surgery any way. the cardiologist suggest that i should have cardiccatherization to rule out blockage, which i did and there was no blockage. luckily i don't have cholesterol problem. finally coming to my recent problem..... about 2:30 months ago, i started feeling extremely fatigued , out of breath, BP went up and was weezing. I had never felt so listless ever. went to see the cardiologist and he did EKG and said that your heart is working at 35% less out of 60 and if u were a little older , i would have admitted you right away.( my DOB is 13th jan "59). I was in Atrial fibrillation, though since then i am back in sinus rythem but do feel out of breath and very tired, but not so tired as i as feeling 2-3 months ago. He put me on warffin 10 mg, cardizam 250, benecar20 mg and toporol. within last one month i have had received 5 letters from the drug company saying that if u took iron in past yr u are at risk for iron overload and u are at risk for heart and liver failure and by the time these symtoms appear , its often too late etc, etc Initially i ignored these letters , then my husband came across one and said may be u should go for liver functions and ferritin level. please help... i had gone for ferritin level on the 8th of april and the lab messed up and forgot to do ferritin level, and when i asked my dr about it " if the ferritin level was okay..he said yes it was fine, and today i found out that the lab had not even done level, so i wonder what he was looking at when he said that it was fine. who do u trust? i am very upset... i feel let down, can u please help? thanks in advance, c.sobti hello dr bariffa,

Thanks for your article.
As a child, teenager and young adult i have been very active, though my hemoglbin has always been very low between 7-8:50. and my BP has been very very low. At age 23 i was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, thinking back some of my symptoms had started around 16-17. Presently ‘m taking 300 mcg of synthyroid. from late 80’s to early 90s, i was feeling so low, fatigued,the best i could describe how horrible i felt ” how a sugarcane must feel after going through the juicer!”
In 1995 i came across a small book in which adr had said that if one has one auto -immune problem, the probability of multiple autoimmune problem increase. The book suggest B-12 deficiency, as i was feeling tingling sensation on my legs and , lost sensations in my left toe,plus was having terrible leg cramps.
i mentioned this to my dr and finally after 7 yrs, she listened to me and ordered some test, called me later and said that u have severe B 12 deficiency and suggested B 12 shots , which i have been taking since Dec 1995 and i felt a lot better, even the sensation in my toe came back
I felt better but not 100 percent….
around 6 yr back i was having mild stomach pain, my doctor was so confident that i had bleeding ulcer, so he put me through, upper and lower scope and both came out very clean and nice.
my husband , who is a pediatrician felt that the pain seemed more like gall stone and eventually, it was discovered that i had 3 stones.
i avoided oily food and was ok
Around a yr and half ago i again started having constant pain so was suggested operation, but as i mentioned my heamoglobin was around 7:50 , so i was told either i can have transfusion or take 12 treatment of iron infusion.
while taking the 2nd infusion my BP went very high. i mentioned this to the nurse and she called the doctor but he brushed it of saying that the iron infusion had nothing to do with my high BP. and arythemia
I came home and my husband looked it up in the medical books and it clearly said that though in 30% pts , it lower the BP , but in 12 % of pts it can make it go up, ut the hematologiost wouldn’t hear me out, finally i told him where to look and i guess i offended him. i went to a friend, who is a cardiologist, because of the arythemia, the surgeon wouldn’t do the surgery any way. the cardiologist suggest that i should have cardiccatherization to rule out blockage, which i did and there was no blockage. luckily i don’t have cholesterol problem.
finally coming to my recent problem….. about 2:30 months ago, i started feeling extremely fatigued , out of breath, BP went up and was weezing. I had never felt so listless ever.
went to see the cardiologist and he did EKG and said that your heart is working at 35% less out of 60 and if u were a little older , i would have admitted you right away.( my DOB is 13th jan “59).
I was in Atrial fibrillation, though since then i am back in sinus rythem but do feel out of breath and very tired, but not so tired as i as feeling 2-3 months ago. He put me on warffin 10 mg, cardizam 250, benecar20 mg and toporol.

within last one month i have had received 5 letters from the drug company saying that if u took iron in past yr u are at risk for iron overload and u are at risk for heart and liver failure and by the time these symtoms appear , its often too late etc, etc
Initially i ignored these letters , then my husband came across one and said may be u should go for liver functions and ferritin level.
please help… i had gone for ferritin level on the 8th of april and the lab messed up and forgot to do ferritin level, and when i asked my dr about it ” if the ferritin level was okay..he said yes it was fine, and today i found out that the lab had not even done level, so i wonder what he was looking at when he said that it was fine.
who do u trust?
i am very upset… i feel let down, can u please help?
thanks in advance,
c.sobti

]]> By: Tanya http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-85946 Tanya Tue, 13 May 2008 05:39:08 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-85946 Dear Dr Briffa, these articles make so much sense of my experiences of fatigue which gets extreme during my period. At mid-cycle, my ferritin level was 5, so goodness knows what it drops to when I menstruate. I only had a test for iron because I asked for it and even then my GP was only concerned with anaemia which she didn't think I had and I don't. She and another GP in my practice prefered to prescribe anti-depressants instead for my period problems which I refused. Luckily, I had to see 3rd GP for the test results and he understood what this level meant and I've just started taking iron supplements. However, I did not ask what the normal range of ferritin levels are and these articles have helped me so much. Thank you. Incidentally the other GP wrote to me to say that my iron levels are "slightly low" as if it was nothing to do with how I am feeling !! Obviously she hasn't read this research. Dear Dr Briffa,
these articles make so much sense of my experiences of fatigue which gets extreme during my period. At mid-cycle, my ferritin level was 5, so goodness knows what it drops to when I menstruate. I only had a test for iron because I asked for it and even then my GP was only concerned with anaemia which she didn’t think I had and I don’t. She and another GP in my practice prefered to prescribe anti-depressants instead for my period problems which I refused. Luckily, I had to see 3rd GP for the test results and he understood what this level meant and I’ve just started taking iron supplements. However, I did not ask what the normal range of ferritin levels are and these articles have helped me so much. Thank you. Incidentally the other GP wrote to me to say that my iron levels are “slightly low” as if it was nothing to do with how I am feeling !! Obviously she hasn’t read this research.

]]> By: Katie http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-78963 Katie Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:59:48 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-78963 I just recently had a CBC, Ferritin, B12 and Folate Levels checked. My ferritin level is at 29, which is within the normal range, but I feel especially bad (mainly with sore calf and arm muscles) right before I get my period. Could this be due to an iron situation. My other RBC are normal. Also, my B12 levels are 1460 (much higher than the normal range). I do regularly take the product Emergen-C which has 470% of the daily recommendation of B12. Any thoughts? Thanks, Katie I just recently had a CBC, Ferritin, B12 and Folate Levels checked. My ferritin level is at 29, which is within the normal range, but I feel especially bad (mainly with sore calf and arm muscles) right before I get my period. Could this be due to an iron situation. My other RBC are normal. Also, my B12 levels are 1460 (much higher than the normal range). I do regularly take the product Emergen-C which has 470% of the daily recommendation of B12.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Katie

]]> By: Jennifer http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-76150 Jennifer Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:37:29 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-76150 I am 35 years old female, I am glad that I found this posting. In 2005, had an upper GI a year ago. Before the procedure I ha my blood/lab work done. On that follow up appointment they said my ferritin level was a 12. Becasue they were concern I agreed to a colonoscopy. That was fine. The GI dodctor said that I am low in iron due to heavy periods and I don't eat enough iron. I am lucky that I don't have high colesteral, I eat red meat, grains eat, green veggie etc... not to mention that I went on birthcontrol pills for my period. I still always feel super tired, my memory is sporatic, I lose track of my thoughts like some one who is exhausted and over tired. I crash and sleep sometimes for 12-13 hours and wake up tired. In the fall of 2007, I had to repeat the upper GI becasue my acid reflux medicine wasn't working. They did more blood work. Didn't hear anything again about it. I called followed up again . Recommended another a colonscopy after the holidays. I went to get the lab results - my ferritin was a 7 she was suggesting I had an absorption problem. She tested me for thryoid, and celiac disease which came back negitive. My primary doctor referred me to a hemetologist and said he thinkings I may have a liver iron storage problem that I may be showing symptoms now? I can't find information. I am a bit nervous. All the anemia sites say you need to find the cause to treat with a cure. Any thought?? I am 35 years old female, I am glad that I found this posting. In 2005, had an upper GI a year ago. Before the procedure I ha my blood/lab work done. On that follow up appointment they said my ferritin level was a 12. Becasue they were concern I agreed to a colonoscopy. That was fine. The GI dodctor said that I am low in iron due to heavy periods and I don’t eat enough iron. I am lucky that I don’t have high colesteral, I eat red meat, grains eat, green veggie etc… not to mention that I went on birthcontrol pills for my period.
I still always feel super tired, my memory is sporatic, I lose track of my thoughts like some one who is exhausted and over tired. I crash and sleep sometimes for 12-13 hours and wake up tired.

In the fall of 2007, I had to repeat the upper GI becasue my acid reflux medicine wasn’t working. They did more blood work. Didn’t hear anything again about it. I called followed up again . Recommended another a colonscopy after the holidays. I went to get the lab results - my ferritin was a 7 she was suggesting I had an absorption problem. She tested me for thryoid, and celiac disease which came back negitive.

My primary doctor referred me to a hemetologist and said he thinkings I may have a liver iron storage problem that I may be showing symptoms now? I can’t find information. I am a bit nervous. All the anemia sites say you need to find the cause to treat with a cure. Any thought??

]]> By: Theresa Joseph-Mcsween http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-74895 Theresa Joseph-Mcsween Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:31:35 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-74895 Very good article Very good article

]]> By: Dr John Briffa http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-70588 Dr John Briffa Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:51:38 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-70588 Karen Thanks for that, re calcium. If you're finding it slow going getting your iron levels up, you may think about switching to a more absorbable form of iron (if you haven't already). Karen
Thanks for that, re calcium. If you’re finding it slow going getting your iron levels up, you may think about switching to a more absorbable form of iron (if you haven’t already).

]]> By: Dr John Briffa http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-70587 Dr John Briffa Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:49:23 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-70587 So, Paula, sounds like you should have your calcium levels checked (I'm not aware of this tingling being a symptoms of low iron). More iron almost certainly would improve your energy levels (see above). So, Paula, sounds like you should have your calcium levels checked (I’m not aware of this tingling being a symptoms of low iron). More iron almost certainly would improve your energy levels (see above).

]]> By: karen http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-70584 karen Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:42:22 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-70584 I had tingling in my face and legs and tests showed I had low calcium levels, my ferritin is below 3, my iron levels are also low, below 8. I'm taking medication for this, but it's slow going, although the calcium replacement worked within 24 hours and the tingling stopped. I had tingling in my face and legs and tests showed I had low calcium levels, my ferritin is below 3, my iron levels are also low, below 8.
I’m taking medication for this, but it’s slow going, although the calcium replacement worked within 24 hours and the tingling stopped.

]]> By: PAULA COWELL http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-70014 PAULA COWELL Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:49:44 +0000 http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2007/08/31/the-link-between-low-iron-levels-and-fatigue-and-why-this-diagnosis-is-often-missed/#comment-70014 I have been feeling very tired and low for some time, I have been having tingling in my face and leg and have just had an MRI scan which I am awaiting results from. My fatigue is really getting me down now. I have just had a blood test and the level was 13 which is low I believe I just want to feel well. Please help. I have been feeling very tired and low for some time, I have been having tingling in my face and leg and have just had an MRI scan which I am awaiting results from. My fatigue is really getting me down now. I have just had a blood test and the level was 13 which is low I believe I just want to feel well. Please help.

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