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What Causes Recurrent Drop In Ferritin Levels?
I am 51 yrs old, with elevated sed rate and crp for several years, along with low Vit D and low Ferritin, but iron is normal. My question is, the dr has sent me to have several iron infusions and my ferritin goes up and then starts dropping again after a few weeks. I asked her if there was any tests that would show Why this is happening and she seemed to get frustrated with me. Seems useless to me to keep getting infusions if do not know the cause of the problem. Am I wrong?
Wed, 2 Aug 2023
Hello,
Low ferritin levels commonly occur due to more than normal blood loss during menstruation. Not taking appropriate amount of iron in the regular diet is also a cause. Vegans or vegetarians tend to have a low ferritin level as animal meat contain more forms of iron. An underlying health condition can also cause malabsorption.
You are suggested to take specialized high iron diet and supplements. Get clinically examined and get all required tests done to detect health condition causing malabsorption. Get tests done to rule out celiac disease, peptic ulcer, Crohn's disease, hiatal hernia, etc., that may be responsible for iron deficiency.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
Low ferritin levels commonly occur due to more than normal blood loss during menstruation. Not taking appropriate amount of iron in the regular diet is also a cause. Vegans or vegetarians tend to have a low ferritin level as animal meat contain more forms of iron. An underlying health condition can also cause malabsorption.
You are suggested to take specialized high iron diet and supplements. Get clinically examined and get all required tests done to detect health condition causing malabsorption. Get tests done to rule out celiac disease, peptic ulcer, Crohn's disease, hiatal hernia, etc., that may be responsible for iron deficiency.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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