So I decided to test my ferritin, which tests the iron stores. My ferritin is 17. I've been doing research on it, anything under 30 is considered an absolute iron deficiency. You can still experience symptoms below 100 and above 30 even though it's not a full iron deficiency. So above 100 is what you want. 17! No wonder I'm so exhausted and my hair is falling out. I knew something was wrong! I'm so glad to have finally figured it out.
it's not an overnight fix, it'll be a few months before it goes back to normal. From what I read you want to actually have levels above 125 for 6 months to let your body know you have enough iron, then you can drop back down to 100.
I can't believe I was right haha. I suspected iron deficiency from the beginning and finally convinced my doctor to test my iron but it all came back normal. Then I realized he didn't test my ferritin, and I kinda shrugged it off for a month, but I'm so damn glad I decided to get it tested myself.
So that's why running has been tough lately, I have a real explanation!! God that feels good.
| 