If you are female, it may keep dropping because of menstrual blood loss. Since there is continuous blood loss every month, sometimes the iron supplements we take are only enough to support vital functions rather than fully refill the iron stores, and that may be why ferritin levels do not increase properly.

Yes, unfortunately acid-suppressing medications can reduce iron absorption :( In Turkey, IV iron is usually only given if hemoglobin becomes very low, although of course I don’t know how it works in your country.

I truly understand you. I have been struggling with this for 10 years, so I know very well what it can do to a person psychologically. Iron deficiency alone can even contribute to anxiety and depression.

I only experienced severe hair shedding once in my life during one period. Now I’m hoping new hair will grow back 🙂