Suggest Alternative Ways To Manage Iron Deificiency

Hi, I'm a 24 year old female. I have iron deficiency (my last ferritin was 8) but my haemoglobin is fine - lower end of the normal range. I do get some symptoms such as tiredness and breathlessness on exertion. I've tried taking prescription iron supplements in the past (ferrous sulphate and ferrous fumarate) but they both cause me to become very drowsy within a week of starting them. I end up sleeping at least 12 hours a day and feel even more tired than before taking them. My doctor doesn't believe me and won't do anything unless I take the supplements. I was wondering if there was another way to increase my iron levels without taking tablets. My diet is fairly healthy.