Low iron levels?

I have very low iron levels 8.5, which should be between 12 - 15 for women. I am taking a strong iron supplement, but after I have my monthly periods my iron levels drop again, then takes a month to boost back up and then they are down again. I do try to eat as healthy as possible, fortified cereals, steak, liver, green veg etc.. i even have to drink guiness for a boost as it麓s supposed to be full of iron. Has anybody any similar problems, if so how long did it take to have normal levels, or should I just opt for a blood transfusion, my doctor has told me that it could take another 2 years, but I am suffering quite bad at the moment with the continual fast heart beat I get.

Organic iron supplements such as ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate are much better than inorganic iron supplements such as ferrous sulphate as they are absorbed much better.

Taking 1 or 2 gm of vitamin C every day would also help to absorb more iron.

Try eating more red meat if you are not a vegetarian. Brocolli also has quite a bit of iron. Spinach is another.
There are other foods with a lot of iron in them, you will have to do research on the internet.

A hemoglobin for an adult female should indeed be between 12 and 15. I'm assuming your physician has diagnosed you with iron-deficiency anemia, although there are many other types of anemias http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anemia/...

Some tips regarding iron supplements:
- Iron supplements are best absorbed on an empty stomach.
- Supplements such as "Slow-Fe" http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/... may be gentler to your digestive system and more easily absorbed.
- Iron supplements can be ferrous sulphate, fumarate, and gluconate. Ask your physician which one is best for you.
- Vitamin C will increase your body's absorption of iron supplements.
- Milk and antacids decrease your body's absorption when taken with iron supplements.

Some tips regarding increasing iron in your diet:
- Drinking tea may interfere with iron absorption. Avoid tea with meals; in fact, you may want to avoid tea completely. Tannins in tea are the culprit.
- Eating foods high in Vitamin C will increase your dietary absorption of iron.

The following may be good resources for you:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/iron-de...
http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/...

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