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Low ferritin level but normal hb
Hello I recently had very heavy period..
So my gynec told me to take blood test...I am feeling weak and severe hair loss..
my hb level is 12.5
Rbc-4.5
Serum iron -82
Total iron binding capacity -378
Unsaturated iron binding capacity -296
Tranferrin saturation -21
My ferritin level -35
Vitamin D-17
Should I need to take iron supplement because my ferritin is low... previously it was 82
Answers (21)
I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
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Dr. Harichandana,
MBBS, MD (General medicine)
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This is what we call as latent iron deficiency and focus on treating the cause first which might be menstrual bleeding or nutritional insufficiency or poor iron absorption which might be because if occult parasitic infection
Also check your thyroid function status
Get yourself evaluated for abnormal menstrual bleed and then proceed with deworming with Ivermectin and albendazole.
Focus on green leafy vegetables, chickpea, jaggery ans pistachios
Supplement yourself with VitaminD
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Hb normal (12.5) but ferritin 35 so iron stores are low.
Likely due to recent heavy periods
Hair fall and weakness can occur even with normal Hb
Rx:
Yes, iron supplementation is needed
Take oral iron for 8–12 weeks
Treat cause of heavy bleeding with gynecologist
Also correct Vitamin D deficiency
You can consult with me via Practo for dosage guidance.
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Treatment of heavy period is very important first.
Syr haem up 10 ml after dinner for two months. Change of stool color is normal with this medicine.
Uprise d60k once a week for eight weeks followed by one per month for six months a complete therapy by WHO for vit d3.
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Need to treat the cause of heavy periods to prevent further iron loss , need few more details regarding it
You don’t have anemia, but you do have depleted iron stores + vitamin D deficiency, both of which can explain your weakness and hair loss. Supplements will help.for vitamin D more than capsules sachets will help
Next Steps
Kindly consult me on Practo
Health Tips
Iron rich food
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Your hemoglobin (12.5 g/dL) and RBC (4.5 million/µL) are within normal ranges, indicating no overt anemia. However, your ferritin has dropped from 82 to 35 ng/mL, which suggests depleting iron stores, potentially contributing to your weakness and hair loss. Serum iron (82 µg/dL) and transferrin saturation (21%) are acceptable, but the elevated TIBC (378 µg/dL) supports low iron reserves. Your vitamin D (17 ng/mL) is deficient, which could worsen fatigue and hair issues. Iron supplementation may be beneficial to replenish stores, but let’s confirm no underlying issues first.
Next Steps
I recommend starting a low-dose iron supplement (e.g., 18-65 mg elemental iron daily) with vitamin C to aid absorption, while monitoring for side effects like constipation. We’ll recheck ferritin and CBC in 4-6 weeks. For vitamin D, begin 1,000-2,000 IU daily and retest in 3 months. If heavy periods persist, we may explore hormonal options or further tests for causes like fibroids.
Health Tips
Incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, red meat, and fortified cereals into your diet. Avoid tea/coffee with meals as they hinder iron absorption. For hair loss, gentle scalp care and biotin-rich foods (eggs, nuts) may help, but address the root cause first. Stay hydrated and rest to combat weakness—contact me if symptoms worsen.
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This condition is called iron deficiency without anemia, and it can cause hair loss, fatigue, and weakness.Vitamin D 17 ng/mL is deficient. You need both iron supplements and vitamin d3 also. Please consult me on practo for further management and evaluation.
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Your hemoglobin is normal, but your ferritin has clearly dropped, which means your iron stores are low. After heavy periods, this is quite common. Low ferritin can definitely cause weakness and hair fall, even when Hb looks okay.
Next Steps
Yes, you should start iron supplementation to rebuild iron stores, along with treatment for heavy periods. Vitamin D is also low and needs correction. A short consultation will help decide the right dose and duration.
Health Tips
Don’t wait for Hb to fall before treating—hair loss and fatigue happen earlier. Iron stores take time to recover.
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Start iron folic acid tablets
Tab Livogen Z after 30 minitus of food once a day
Also start
Cap Vitamin d3 uprise 60k weekly for 8 weeks
Next Steps
also start sun bathing in the morning for at list 10 minuts for better recovery
Health Tips
connect on practo with reports
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