Aha!

Since I was a teen I've had issues with iron-deficiency anemia. There have been a few times that I've really struggled with it (ie. severe dizzy spells, black-outs, very low energy, extremely pale skin, etc). It became daily routine for me to take supplements (iron, B12) and this is something I've done every single day now for the past 20 years or so (at varying levels). Because I've had issues in the past I have a good idea when something is going on with my levels - and over the past while I've been feeling a bit rough. In other words, some of the symptoms of low levels have been appearing. So I decided to make an appointment with my doctor to request that my blood work be done; I specifically mentioned the following symptoms to her:

• low energy
• dizzy spells
  
• cold extremities (ie. feet)
• thinning hair
  
• bruising easier than usual

She agreed it was a good idea to get my blood tested and so that's what I did. I got my results and the verdict?? All of my levels are within proper range, with the exception of my ferritin. For women, ferritin should fall within the 18–160 mcg/L range. I *do* fall within the range, but just barely - I'm sitting at 18 mcg/L.

So! That pretty much explains why I've been feeling the way I have. I was spot-on with this one. So, as of this morning I'm taking an increased amount of iron supplements (again). I already eat quite healthy but I'm also going to make a point of eating more iron-rich foods every day as well. It takes awhile for iron levels to build ... but I should be feeling much better within 2-3 months!