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What Causes Elevated Iron Levels In Blood?
Question: Hello.
I am a 28 yo f with no significant past medical history besides seasonal asthma. I take 100 mg spironolactone daily for acne, 10 mg BID adderall for adhd and albuterol PRN. I have had the mirena for the last 4 years and have not had a period since it was place.
I was seen recently at my pcp for my annual physical. They drew a cbc, BMP, thyroid, LFT and cholesterol/lipids. My iron came back 225. All other levels were Normal. They did not run transferrin saturation or anything else. I have never had an abnormal iron level before. My maternal uncle was diagnosed with hereditary hematomacrosis about 5 years ago. My mother who is 67 has never been genetically tested and has never had an abnormal iron level.
My provider recommend that I follow up in 3 months. She is a new PA and I don't think she looked at my family medical history. I asked for a call back but I have not heard anything.
I don't take supplements and eat a balanced diet. I feel good, I would say I am tired but I am a nurse so we are always tired- nothing new. I don't have well water, i don't use a cast iron skillet.
Are there any other plausible reasons that my iron would be that high besides hereditary hematomacrosis? Do people intermittently have levels that high? Do you think 3 months is an appropriate amount of time to retest?
I am a pediatric nurse so when it comes to adult stuff I am lost. Any opinion or advise would be appreciated. Thanks.
I am a 28 yo f with no significant past medical history besides seasonal asthma. I take 100 mg spironolactone daily for acne, 10 mg BID adderall for adhd and albuterol PRN. I have had the mirena for the last 4 years and have not had a period since it was place.
I was seen recently at my pcp for my annual physical. They drew a cbc, BMP, thyroid, LFT and cholesterol/lipids. My iron came back 225. All other levels were Normal. They did not run transferrin saturation or anything else. I have never had an abnormal iron level before. My maternal uncle was diagnosed with hereditary hematomacrosis about 5 years ago. My mother who is 67 has never been genetically tested and has never had an abnormal iron level.
My provider recommend that I follow up in 3 months. She is a new PA and I don't think she looked at my family medical history. I asked for a call back but I have not heard anything.
I don't take supplements and eat a balanced diet. I feel good, I would say I am tired but I am a nurse so we are always tired- nothing new. I don't have well water, i don't use a cast iron skillet.
Are there any other plausible reasons that my iron would be that high besides hereditary hematomacrosis? Do people intermittently have levels that high? Do you think 3 months is an appropriate amount of time to retest?
I am a pediatric nurse so when it comes to adult stuff I am lost. Any opinion or advise would be appreciated. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
You should repeat iron, ferritine and transfferin saturation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
Your iron level is slightly high. Generally it is very uncommon in young female because of regular menstrual blood loss.
But you don't have period since 4 years and that leads to accumulation of iron.
Your iron is slightly increased only. So its not a serious problem. Moreover your liver function test and other tests are normal so nothing to worry.
You should repeat your iron level after three months. It is ok to repeat after 3 months.
You should also check your ferritin level and transferrin saturation.
Also consult your gynecologist once.
No treatment is required right now.
Just avoid iron rich food, avoid iron fortified food and drugs.
Avoid well water and food cooked in iron vessels.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
You should repeat iron, ferritine and transfferin saturation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
Your iron level is slightly high. Generally it is very uncommon in young female because of regular menstrual blood loss.
But you don't have period since 4 years and that leads to accumulation of iron.
Your iron is slightly increased only. So its not a serious problem. Moreover your liver function test and other tests are normal so nothing to worry.
You should repeat your iron level after three months. It is ok to repeat after 3 months.
You should also check your ferritin level and transferrin saturation.
Also consult your gynecologist once.
No treatment is required right now.
Just avoid iron rich food, avoid iron fortified food and drugs.
Avoid well water and food cooked in iron vessels.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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