[70M] Inquiring about ferritin levels in vegans

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, it seems like you have hypothyroidism and are on a vegan diet. You're also taking Metformin and have a ferritin level of 12 with normal Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) levels. Here are some possibilities:

• Iron Deficiency: Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much iron your body stores. If a ferritin test reveals that your blood ferritin level is lower than normal, it indicates your body's iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency. As a result, you could be anemic.

  • Treatment typically involves iron supplements and dietary changes to include more iron-rich foods.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. It can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Hypothyroidism can also affect the body's metabolism and its ability to process minerals, which could potentially affect ferritin levels.

  • Treatment typically involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine, which you're already taking.

• Effect of Metformin: Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can sometimes cause a decrease in Vitamin B12 levels, which could indirectly affect ferritin levels.

  • Treatment usually involves monitoring and supplementing Vitamin B12 levels if necessary.

What you can do

1. Continue taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Monitor your symptoms and any changes after the increase in your levothyroxine dosage.
3. Maintain a balanced diet. If you're on a vegan diet, make sure to include iron-rich foods like lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, cashew nuts, chia seeds, ground linseed, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, kale, dried apricots and figs, raisins, quinoa and fortified breakfast cereal.
4. Consider taking iron supplements after consulting with your doctor.

What you should look out for

• If you start to experience symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, or pale skin, you should consult your doctor.
• If your hypothyroid symptoms worsen or don't improve with the increased dosage of levothyroxine, you should also consult your doctor.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your personal circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.