I open up about my personal journey with iron deficiency. As a naturopathic physician and IV therapist, I share her own experiences with blood work, symptoms, and the process of determining eligibility for iron infusions. I spill the tea on the importance of understanding ferritin levels and how they relate to overall health. Are you eligible for iron infusions? Click through to learn more about iron deficiency and its implications.

I’m spilling the tea on my journey with iron deficiency and starting a series of iron infusions. In July 2023, my ferritin (the stored form of iron) levels were at a healthy 60. 

JULY 2023

However, by December 2024, my levels showed a shocking drop to 14 - a clear indication that I was… wah… wah… iron deficient. The reason for the test was heart palpitations. I was experiencing this sensation in my chest that felt like my heart was heavy and dropping a couple inches with each beat. 

My medical doctor saw my low ferritin and ran an iron panel which involves: 

1. Iron - this is the free iron floating around in the blood, which isn’t particularly clinically useful 

2. Transferrin which is a protein that carries iron in the blood 

3. The percentage of saturation of that transferrin.

DECEMBER 2024

My iron panel looked pretty good. Cool! I started on oral iron supplements which thankfully my gut was okay with, because some types can be pretty hard on the digestive system. 

In March 2025, I ran out of the iron and stopped taking it for some time. That heavy thumping feeling in my chest returned. Here is what the blood work showed: 

MARCH 2025

My ferritin had come up but my iron saturation was dropping. It was then that I started studying how to administer iron infusions as an IV therapist in my Naturopathic practice in Nanaimo BC. 

I learned that not only did I meet the…

Eligibility criteria for iron infusions: 

Ferritin < 50

But I also met the criteria if I had a chronic disease (which I don’t):

Ferritin < 100 and Transferrin Saturation < 20% 

So now… knowing what I know, I’m going to start giving myself iron infusions. 

I had my doctor do a new iron panel as a base line before I start my series of treatments. I’m glad we retested because even though my iron stores are coming up (my ferritin is now at 35) the amount of iron being carried around in my blood is going down. This explains alot symptomatically which I’ll explain in another post. 

JUNE 2025

I’m going to document my journey and keep you posted so check back for what happens next. 

If you have any questions about iron infusions, or to find out if you’re eligible for this type of nutrient therapy, I'm happy to help. You’re in the perfect place. 

Learn more at: https://ivtherapynanaimo.com/iron-infusions

Let's get you nutrified with intravenous IV nutrient Therapy by me, Dr. Tonia Winchester, a Nanaimo Naturopathic Doctor, and certified IV nutrient therapist.

This is all taking place at Knead Therapy in Nanaimo, BC, central Vancouver Island.

Learn more at: https://ivtherapynanaimo.com/