Iron imbalance, red blood cell production, and how you feel

An imbalance in iron levels can impact red blood cells, PV symptoms, and the risk of blood clots

In PV, the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, which thickens your blood. This can make you feel tired and out of breath, and even increase your risk of blood clots.

6 out of 10 people with PV have low iron

About 6 out of 10 people with PV have low iron, so it’s important to understand how it can affect your PV and how you feel.

Because iron is critical to red blood cell production, an imbalance in your iron levels can also affect your PV.

What’s so important about iron in PV?

Iron is a key driver behind red blood cell production in the bone marrow—without it, the body can’t make hemoglobin, the protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. When your body's iron is deficient, red blood cells can't do their job effectively, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and broader disruptions in how the body functions. Hepcidin is crucial to normal red blood cell production and helps keep iron levels balanced.
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Iron

an important nutrient, is absorbed from the food you eat and stored in the body. Around 70% of the iron stored is used to help make red blood cells.

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Hepcidin

is a hormone that is the primary regulator of how much iron the body absorbs, stores, and uses.

People with PV have low levels of hepcidin, which causes the body to use iron too quickly. This can lead to iron deficiency (low iron), which raises the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.

Low iron can also leave people with PV vulnerable to symptoms

Iron deficiency can cause many symptoms that make daily living difficult for people with PV, including:
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Fatigue (extreme exhaustion)

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Weakness and dizziness

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Trouble thinking clearly or  “brain fog”

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Shortness of breath

Even though low iron is common in PV, iron supplements are not recommended because they may increase red blood cell production and worsen your PV.

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If you are feeling extreme exhaustion or mental fog, talk to your doctor to see if your iron levels are contributing to your symptoms.

Look for more helpful information in the near future