Need help understanding all of this!

[kda949]

I had my bloodwork done two weeks ago. My TSH came back 6.6 and my doctor put me on thyroid medicine. On the same work up my Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC all came back low. My doctor ordered an Iron test which came back very low- my Ferritin level is a 1. From what I've read I should have no energy at all!! My total iron came back 15 and the saturation is 4%. But my Iron binding capacity came back as 385- within normal.

What is the best way to get my levels up quickly? Should I be concerned? My doctor just told me to take iron suppliments (she forgot to tell me not to take them with the thyroid medicine!). Do you feel with a Ferritin level this low I should be worried about some underlying cause? Is there an underlying cause other then internal bleeding and heavy menstration? (both of which I don't have- although my doctor ordered a test for blood in my stool). I'm not a heavy drinker (a glass of wine with dinner 4-5 nights per week), no drugs (legal or not) until the thyroid meds last week and I'm in my mid 30's.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This looks like iron deficiency (except usually the binding capacity is higher) -- most common in a young female is menstrual bleeding.  Taking iron is the best option -- but determining the cause is important.  Another possibility would be poor iron absorption -- which with the thyroid problem (probably Hashimoto's, an immune system attack on the thyroid) would consider celiac sprue (inflammation in small intestine due to gluten sensitivity).

May be worth seeing a hematologist (blood specialist) to make certain the cause of the low iron is explored.

[kda949]

Thanks!