Excess Iron Detected in Blood Test Results
I am a 41-year-old woman weighing 150 pounds and standing at 5’7”. Currently, I’m on Effexor and do not consume alcohol, though I do smoke cigarettes. It appears that my body is sending warning signs, akin to a warning light on a vehicle's dashboard. Despite maintaining a nutritious diet and exercising daily, I have been experiencing strange symptoms that emerged unexpectedly since last August. My dermatologist diagnosed me with three distinct forms of eczema affecting my feet, palms, arms, and lower back. Treatment with both oral and topical steroids has not proved effective. I often feel exhausted and struggle with brain fog, which I attribute to poor sleep, disrupted by persistent itching and severe night sweats. Seeking relief, I consulted with an allergist, who performed a prick test for food allergies and subsequently recommended blood tests, assuming my iron levels were low. Surprisingly, the results indicated that my iron levels were elevated instead. He advised me to avoid the foods I’m allergic to and suggested limiting a few other items that contribute to iron retention in the body, aiming to reduce my iron levels. The allergist has instructed me to adjust my diet for six weeks and return for a follow-up to assess any improvements in my symptoms. I have around three weeks left in this dietary adjustment phase. On a positive note, my eczema appears to have subsided somewhat, though I continue to feel drained, struggle with night sweats, and have inconsistent sleep. It's not awful, but it could definitely be improved. As I prepare for my next appointment with the doctor, I have some questions that I would like to pose, particularly regarding patients who have experienced elevated iron levels: 1. I have never previously had eczema; could fluctuations in iron levels contribute to my flare-ups? 2. Might hormone changes also play a role? I suspect I am entering perimenopause, as my menstrual cycles have become erratic—some are significantly heavy to the point of fainting, while others seem to be absent altogether this month. I will undergo another blood test soon to evaluate if my dietary changes influence my iron levels. Some key figures from my recent tests include an MPV of 13.5fl, total iron at 263 mcg/dL, and a saturation of 69. Thank you for reading, and I would appreciate any insights from those who might have dealt with similar issues. Additionally, I plan to consult my OB/GYN to further investigate these concerns. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 10:01:18 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Elevated iron levels in your blood can be linked to various symptoms, including skin issues like eczema, fatigue, and potentially hormonal changes. Your dietary adjustments and upcoming appointment are crucial in managing these concerns and understanding their interplay.
Explanation: Elevated iron levels, known as hemochromatosis when excessively high, can lead to various health issues, including skin conditions. While iron itself may not directly cause eczema, systemic inflammation or changes in iron levels can exacerbate skin conditions in susceptible individuals. Your experience with changing iron levels and the subsequent development of eczema might indicate that your skin is more reactive due to these changes, especially if your immune system is under stress.
Regarding hormonal changes, fluctuations in estrogen levels, particularly as you approach perimenopause, can lead to irregular cycles and possibly amplify skin sensitivity and responses. Your symptoms like heavy bleeding and fainting could suggest significant hormonal imbalances, which warrant further discussion with your healthcare provider.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Dietary Modifications: Stick to the restrictive diet recommended by your allergist focused on decreasing iron retention. Discuss specific foods to avoid that are high in iron during your next appointment. This step is particularly important as you analyze how your symptoms change with dietary adjustments.
-
Track Symptoms and Cycles: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, including the severity of itching, fatigue levels, night sweats, and any menstrual changes. This can provide valuable insights for your upcoming OB/GYN visit and help pinpoint any patterns.
-
Consult Your OB/GYN: Prepare a list of questions regarding your irregular menstrual cycles and potential symptoms of perimenopause. It's essential to discuss how hormonal changes could be contributing to your fatigue and eczema flare-ups.
-
Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management: Focus on improving sleep hygiene to address your sleep disruptions. Consider establishing a calming nighttime routine and exploring relaxation techniques like meditation or gentle yoga, which may also help manage itching.
-
Follow-Up Testing: Attend your follow-up blood test after your dietary adjustments. Discuss the results comprehensively with your healthcare provider to determine the next steps based on your iron levels and any changes in your symptoms.
These steps can help you understand better the relationship between your iron levels, skin conditions, and hormonal changes, leading to more targeted relief and management strategies. Keep holding on to the positive changes you've seen in your eczema—this reflects the importance of your efforts!
Related Questions
Is It Possible to Develop Allergies in Adulthood?
The concept of developing allergies later in life has been on my mind. A young woman I know, who is 22 years old, had no issues being near cats in her childhood. However, as she matured, she started exhibiting allergic reactions. Additionally, she used to enjoy strawberries without any problems, but recently she experienced swelling in her mouth after consuming a handful of them. To give you a bit of context, she stands at about 156 centimeters tall and weighs around 50 kilograms. It's noteworthy that she doesn't partake in alcohol, smoking, or any recreational drugs.
Concern Over Possible Botulism Exposure: Seeking Guidance
Greetings, everyone! I'm a 37-year-old male, weighing approximately 80 kilograms and standing at about 1.75 meters tall. To provide some context, I'm currently visiting a friend in another country, but I don’t have any travel health insurance. My friend had to work through the weekend and encouraged me to help myself to whatever food I found in her refrigerator. Upon arriving, I discovered some gravy that appeared and smelled fine. I decided to prepare some frozen fries in the oven while simultaneously heating the gravy in a dish, which I placed in the oven at a temperature of around 225 degrees Celsius. Following the instructions, I set a timer for 20 minutes when cooking the fries. However, when the timer went off, the fries didn’t seem fully cooked. I opted to give them an additional 10 to 15 minutes to bake (the gravy was still on the bottom, and I had completely forgotten about it). Eventually, the fries emerged from the oven, slightly overdone, but I didn't mind. Upon pulling everything out, I noticed that the gravy had begun to burn and char during the process. Afterward, I proceeded to eat the fries along with some of the gravy, which had turned into a paste-like consistency. I later called my friend to catch up and mention what I had for dinner. To my dismay, she panicked when I mentioned the gravy, informing me that it was actually 12 days old and stored in a plastic container. Now I’m left worried about my situation. How serious is this? To provide additional context: - It’s been 12 hours since I consumed the food, and I have not yet experienced any symptoms. What signs should I be vigilant for? - I heated the gravy thoroughly; it was in the oven for over 30 minutes, and the edges of the plate were charred. - Prior to this meal, I hadn't eaten anything for nearly 24 hours, so I'm hoping my stomach's acidity might be a protective factor. I didn't consume a large amount, discarding approximately half of what I had. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding this situation.
Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands
A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?
Navigating Alcohol Challenges
My partner has recently developed issues with alcohol. Over the past year, he has been consuming significant amounts—roughly two bottles of distilled spirits each week, in addition to beer. A decade ago, he struggled with inhalants and even faced near-fatal consequences, but he had maintained sobriety until he turned to drinking. He believes he has plenty of time before the effects of alcohol will manifest. How long can he continue this way before it becomes a serious problem? He is a 53-year-old male, weighing 325 pounds, standing at 5 feet 11 inches, and he is currently on medication for hypertension. Although we plan to separate later this year, it’s clear that this situation will have an impact on our three children.
Persisting Chills Without Fever for Three Weeks After a Cold
Greetings! I'm a 30-year-old male dealing with a rather unusual situation, and I'm at a loss for what to do next. As mentioned in the title, I recently experienced a cold, which presented all the expected symptoms, but the chills have lingered. It's been around three weeks now, and I still feel cold despite wearing multiple layers and having the heater running in my home. Strangely, throughout this episode, I haven't had a single fever. I consulted my primary care physician, who also seemed puzzled by my symptoms. She has requested some blood tests which are scheduled for Monday, even though I had blood work done three months ago that showed normal results. Does anyone have insights into what might be causing this? I understand there could be various explanations, but I'm unsure how to proceed. I am not currently on any medications and don't have any known chronic health conditions. Any guidance on how to tackle this issue would be greatly appreciated! 🙏