Low Iron - Problem???

Okay, so we are TTC, but not preggo yet.   I went into Carter Blood Care to donate and have low iron (11.3) vs. the mandatory 12.9 for women to donate which got me to thinking....

Is this a problem and do I need to address now, or will it be an issue if/when we get pregnant?

Anyone out there have these issues and how did you handle???

A month ago, I went to the OB/GYN for a checkup and verification that we have a green light to try.  That day, my iron was 9.0 and I was shocked.... It's never been so low before.  I promptly went by my WLS surgeon's office and talked with the nutritionist.   They provided a great list and I've been working on it, including lowering my caffine intake (so addicted to coffee and tea)...

Just wondering if anyone else out there has problems and how did you handle?

Thank you for any/all advise.

The time to correct nutritional deficiencies is before you are pregnant.  The baby will only steal more and more of what you have, and then you'll be further behind the eight ball than you are now.

Do you have your other stats?  When was your last COMPLETE blood draw?  Numbers I'd look at for an iron deficiency issue are:

Ferritin
TIBC (or transferrin)
hematacrit (hct)
hemaglobin (hgb)
serum iron

These numbers will help to see your entire picture.  My HCT and HGB are super, but my ferritin sucks.  I'm technically not anemic and could donate blood, but it would be stupid for me to do so given my ferritin level.  These are all critical to see what's really going on with your iron.

And if you haven't had a full draw lately (last 3 months, especially when TTC), I'd get one.

Thank you for the advise.  I'm due for my 2 year surgical follow up next month and will have the full panel including nutritional in 2 weeks.  I think I'll call them before the blood draw and mention the tests you've indicated so he can add to the request BEFORE they take blood.  I'd rather get ahead of this, than behind it.

I'm just so surprised my iron is suddenly low, especially now that I actually eat more than I used to - go figure!

I see an endocrinologist every 4 months, but iron was good at the last visit.  As I seen him so frequently, he keeps a pretty good eye on the markers.   However, I will follow up.

Another interesting side note - the last two weeks, I've had to use my inhaler often...  I occasionally need it during winter for mild asthma, but lately, I've been using it once or twice a week.  The past three days, I've needed it daily.  As I read more about low iron, that can be a side effect - breathlessness.