Which iron supplement should I get?

[wstlng2wspy]

Hi, I'm new here and so happy that this forum exists! Hugs to us all.

I'm in the process of trying to figure out the cause of my hair loss. I've been losing my hair for over 2 months and initially thought that I might have hormone issues, so I started with my gynecologist. After going to GYN to see if I had some hormone issues, the PCP for more tests, and finally the Dermatologist yesterday, I've been told to take an iron supplement. My ferratin levels came back 12.5 two weeks ago and then yesterday at 12.7. The dr wants to see it above 40 and recommends that I take 325mg/day.

Before my derm appointment yesterday, I had already been online for the past month doing research, and have ordered biotin and MSM and am waiting to receive those supplements.

The dr told me that she thinks that I have Telogen Effluvium, and my diagnosis printout says Alopecia. She took a scalp plug (and bled all over the place!:eek:), but those results don't come back for at least 3 weeks.

So, what do you suggest I get? She said either ferrous sulfate or gluconate. Any difference/preference? Side effects? All I remember from giving my kids liquid vitamins with iron is that it smelled awful and would get them constipated. Am I in for that?:confused:

[Elissa]

Per several of the WHLP members' recommendations, I went with "Slow FE" brand (I take 2 tabs @100mg a day) and I have been on it since March. I have had NO gastrointestinal symptoms which was shocking to me since I am prone to them. I was almost expecting constipation..haha. but yea-- no problems. I used to take it with food (because I was scared of GI symptoms) but then read it wont absorb as well if you take it with food, so for the past 2 months or so I have been taking it on an empty stomach and STILL NO GI SYMPTOMS :) So yeah-- it's been working out.

I posted my blood work on my blog on the WHLP site if you want to see my iron and ferritin levels and how the iron helped. I still have a ways to go.. slowly but surely.

Good luck to you!

[VictoriaG]

I also take the Slow FE, as ferrous sulfate. I buy Target's brand. I also have had no problems with it at all.

[wstlng2wspy]

Thanks! I'm off to Target. :)