help interpreting iron labs

[neonalee]

I recently had my iron labs run and am comparing them to labs done back in February.  In Feb my iron was low, so I started supplementing.  Now my iron looks even worse.  I have other issues going on related to my thyroid but am not medicating.  I find my TIBC & saturation numbers particularly concerning.  I think I am unable to take in more iron but I'm not positive and I don't know what to do about it.

New tests:
TIBC: 228 range 250-450
Iron, Serum: 95 range 35-155
Iron Saturation: 42 range 15-55
Ferritin, Serum: 39 range 15-150

Old tests:
TIBC: 244 range 250 - 450
total Iron: 72 range 40 - 175
Saturation: 30 range 25 – 45
Ferritin: 42 range 10 - 154

[ahmee]

TIBC (transferrin) will be low with other numbers in range when inflammation is present. Any thyroid problems would qualify, obviously. I am not sure what your thyroid issues are, but if they are something that can be medicated, you may see the TIBC return to normal when this is addressed. And yes, I would continue taking iron (up the dose) until ferritin is raised. Your other numbers are not even midrange.

[makaka]

I had to go on gluten free diet to raise my ferritin, yours is low.

[gimel]

I don't see your % saturation result as being high, but I understand your issue with the TIBC.  It is a bit puzzling, in that the results all seem to be a bit contradictory.  You aren't really taking very much iron in your daily supplement of 27 mg, so I don't really see increasing that as a concern; however, it would be a good idea to discuss with the doctor that you have read that the best range for ferritin for women is 70 - 80, and you wondered if you should increase your iron supplement, in view of the TIBC result.    

Please let us know what you learn from the doctor.

[neonalee]

The problem I'm worried about is that with my TIBC so low/Saturation so high, I don't think I can safely absorb any more iron.  So more/better supplementing isn't the answer if that is true :(

[neonalee]

Bluebonnet Albion chelated iron, 27mg daily.  Plus a regular multi.

[gimel]

Agree that your ferritin is too low in the range.  Recommended level is 70 - 80 for women.  What supplement are you taking for that and what dosage?