Chronic iron deficiency anemia is a common concern we see in the clinical setting on a regular basis. We always want to investigate the potential causes of the iron deficiency to try to treat this problem at the causation level. For some patients, the causes may be from lack of consumption or poor digestion of iron from foods. For some, it’s from menstrual cycle concerns like heavy menstruation, spotting, or irregular cycle timing. And for others, it may be harder to identify.
Iron infusions can be a very important way to replenish iron and ferritin stores. We always obtain a recent ferritin test to identify if and how deficient iron stores are. Usually we will also have other corroborating testing like a complete blood count. Once low iron or anemia has been diagnosed we can then consider and discuss treatment options like iron infusions.
Iron Sucrose or Venofer infusions are usually done in a series depending on how low the iron stores are in the testing. This typically ranges from 3-5 sessions over the course of 3-10 weeks. Each iron infusion provides a therapeutic dose of iron sucralose and the series is intended to replenish the stores to healthy levels.
Monoferric Iron Infusions are another common option for replenishing iron stores. This method would likely be a one infusion treatment as opposed to a series. Both of the iron infusion options are offered here at the Kelowna Wellness Clinic by Dr. Barlow, ND and making the decision for which may be more right is something he enjoys discussing and collaborating with his patients.
For more information or to book an appointment to consult iron levels and iron infusions please contact the Kelowna Wellness Clinic at 250-448-5610.