hemochromatosis high iron levels

[trocker01tanya]

About a moth ago I had a physical and my blood work came back with high iron levels 55 doc said normal was anywhere from 17 to 45, I just had another blood test to double check ( a month has pasted).  If this comes back high again I was wondering if the cause is because I don't drink enough (hardly any water)  would it help dullute the iron levels, I wonder if I could bring them down through diet?  And is that 55 way over or just slightly
FYI I'm a 33 yr old female that has no other health problems, other than spottng in the middle of my cycle for the past 4 months(related I don't know) I have an average 1 beer a day or less

[starflower713]

It seems your level was transferrin, which should be under 45 for women and if it's elevated, it could indicate hemochromatosis and your genes should be tested to see if you carry the gene(s) for hemochromatosis.

[aMom21]

Thank you.  The internet is a wonderful tool for informtion but I still believe a good candid discussion with your doc is best.

Good luck!

[trocker01tanya]

Thank you so much I have been retested and am waiting for the results  My tests were only a moth apart though.  Your reponse was appreciated and now I can rest al little thank you

[aMom21]

I would ask the doc to send you a copy of your lab work or you could call the lab directly.

If it is just 6 points over normal I wouldn't be too alarmed about it, but talk to your doctor about your concerns, at the very least ask to have the blood work repeated in 3 months.

Take care.

[trocker01tanya]

not sure the two number that she told me were like just over, about 6 points over the normal,

[aMom21]

Which iron measurement is your doc referring to?  Hemochromotosis diagnosis typically requires that your doc run a test for transferrin and ferritan levels as well as iron.