Yana G.

Hey everyone, I’m a woman in my 30s who has been struggling with low ferritin for a long time. I remember being anaemic in my childhood. I had low haemoglobin, but the only thing doctors prescribed was beetroot, lol. Also, I had it for breakfast as a salad or juice for 5 years or smth. That’s the only treatment I got. As long as I can remember, I have had cold feet and hands and some insomnia. Nothing that bothered me too much.

Six months ago, I experienced a MASSIVE hair fall. I did a bunch of tests, and I’m low on ferritin (28) and vitamin D. Everything else was looking good. The vitamin D problem was solved in 2 months, but the ferritin thing frustrates me. I tried vitamin complexes like Hemaplex and gentle iron, but it only helped slightly. My levels increased by 15 points in two months. (I must add that I was thorough with my meds and how I took them.

Also, I read the iron protocol and took the iron double my weight). Then, the doctor prescribed ferrous sulfate (310 mg) and vitamin C (60 mg), instructing me to take two daily tablets. After two weeks, my ferritin levels went up to 73—hurray! (With Hemaplex, my levels only reached 43 in two months.) However, after another month of taking these medications, I retested and found that my ferritin levels had dropped to 58. I stopped taking them three days before the test to get a more accurate result. How is it possible that my levels did not increase after a month but decreased? The initial results were so promising.

Extra info: I haven’t eaten dairy or sugar for several years, and in June and July, I eliminated gluten, which didn’t affect my condition or iron absorption. I don’t have any thyroid problems; I’ve had all the tests and visited an endocrinologist. I’ve never had any gastrointestinal problems.

Francesca R.

Struggle with Ferritin

Hi. I’m female, 34. 2 kids.

I need some advice about ferritin.

As long as I can remember, I have struggled with ferritin. Never been over 50. A few times, I have been told I am anaemic, and then most times, I’m told it’s just the ferritin.

A few years back. I came on my period and passed out. I couldn’t even get off the sofa while I was on my period. Once the period finished, I was able to start moving about. They did loads of tests, and the only showing on the low side was ferritin, a 19. This has happened a few times now. Where my ferritin drops to 20, and I Pass out, or I am very unwell on my period.

Somehow, my ferritin went up to 55, and my periods were OK for a while. Didn’t feel faint.

They are now back to 39. (He was tested 5 weeks ago and had 2 periods by then, so could be lower) .. I don’t feel that constant dizziness when on period, but my periods have been so bad, and I’ve had other symptoms.

Muscle pain, Joint pain, Tongue feeling swollen, Sores and ulcers in the mouth, Constant headache, Bowel issues, Chills, Fatigue, Heart palpitations, Chest pain, Tight neck and muscles.

Went and saw a Dr, and he said my ferritin of 39 would not be causing any issues.

In 34 years, they’ve never checked why my ferritin kept dropping until I was told. Last year, I had celiac. I’ve gone gluten-free since. Ferritin seems to be stabilised; however, iron pills. Make me. Constipated and ill.

I know 39 is not as low as some of you, but just a reminder: I’m passing out when I get to around 19, so the numbers that suit me are not textbook.

Never had an iron infusion or anything.

Q&A

Question:

Caffeine triggering flare-ups

If caffeine is a trigger for both anaemia and rosacea, and I have both, how am I supposed to function in society without it??? I can’t be red and half dying all week anymore. It’s exhausting.

I have ADHD and have since I was dx at 8, and I take Vyvanse, which works well for me (my PCP wanted me to drop it when she was trying to treat my anaemia, but that’s a different bag of cats). I’ve tried going up the dosage, but it causes more anxiety than it is worth. Caffeine, a cup of coffee or a small Red Bull is what gets me through the day without any added anxiety or crazy insomnia.

I’ve noticed I don’t have any flare-ups or that they subside on the weekend when I don’t need to be a functional part of society, i.e. no stimulants, no caffeine.

How or what can I use or sub that won’t trigger rosacea and anaemia flare-ups?

Answer:

Managing all of that sounds exhausting—balancing energy needs, ADHD, and your skin! It makes sense that caffeine is a go-to, especially since it works without messing with your anxiety. Here are a few things that might be worth a shot:

  • Natural Stimulants: Certain adaptogens, like rhodiola or ginseng, are gentle options some people find helpful for energy and focus. They don’t act like caffeine, so they might not trigger the same flare-ups. Check-in with your doctor before trying them, especially with your other meds.
  • Tweak Vyvanse Use: Since Vyvanse is helpful, you might consider adjusting the timing or splitting the dose with your doctor’s guidance. That way, you’re not reliant on caffeine during the day, which could ease the weekend “crash.”
  • Low-Acid or Cold Brew Coffee: Regular coffee can be a big trigger because of its acidity. Switching to cold brew (naturally lower in acid) might be a gentler option for your skin while giving you a caffeine boost. You could also try a decaf version for a lighter pick-me-up.
  • Hydration & Skincare: Staying super hydrated can help your skin and your body’s feelings with anaemia. For the redness, soothing skincare with green tea extract or niacinamide can help calm things down.
  • Take Advantage of Breaks: Your pattern of skipping stimulants on weekends sounds smart. Giving your body and skin a break like that could be the balance you need to get through the week more comfortably.

Finding the right stimulants, hydration, and skincare rhythm might help. A chat with your doctor about these ideas could give you some fresh perspective on what is right for you without all the flare-ups!