Strange iron lab results

[YellowSunflowers]

I've been on Zoloft since July 2015 and Seasonique oral birth control since Sept 2015 for suspected endometriosis. My Dr did a CBC and then decided to do an iron study when my RDW was low and I don't menstruate regularly since the birth control means a period every 3 months.

These were my CBC results from around Feb 1 2016.

RBC 4.48 M/ul
Hemoglobin 13.2 g/ml
Hematocrit 40.4%
MCV 90.1 fL
MCH 29.5 pg
MCHC 32.7 g/dl
RDW 10.9% (marked low)

Iron Studies

Iron 147 ug/dL (high)
TIBC 543 ug/dL (high)
UIBC 396.0 ug/dL (high)
Ferritin 38 ng/mL (marked normal)

This is a new Iron Study done this Monday on March 7th.

Iron 94 ug/dL range 37-145
TIBC 632 ug/dL (high) range 149-495
UIBC 538 ug/dL (high) range 112-347
Transferrin 635 (high) range 170-370
Trans Sat 14.87% (low) range 20-50%

My Dr isn't concerned because he said my iron was in normal range now. I've read elevated TIBC, UIBC, transferrin, and low trans saturation are indicative of iron deficiency anemia but my iron levels are fine. I also read that oral contraceptives can cause high TIBC.

I'm confused. Is there any cause for concern that my levels are going up so quickly and my trans saturation dropped 13% in a month?

[SassyLassie]

Hello~

It almost sounds like a mild version of iron overload. Normally, women who are menstruating don't have this as they can loose some during each period, but, since you are on a drug that  prevents periods from occurring monthly, your body could be retaining too much iron.

Yes, any drug that  plays around with your period, such as the pill, can cause issues like this.

I would certainly have a talk with your doctor and see exactly what the numbers mean, and if you should be doing anything to make the numbers better. I do know that when high, some women donate blood, this helps to bring the numbers down as well.

[YellowSunflowers]

Thanks for the reply. I actually did donate blood in between the two blood draws to lower my iron. Could you explain how this could be iron overload when the blood work shows otherwise?

Also, I got my lab results paper and it says my ferritin is an 8 from the March 7th blood draw.

[YellowSunflowers]

Forgot to mention. My Dr said since my iron levels were fine, there was nothing that needed to be done. Should I push this further with a different doctor?