Iron Deficiency (Low Ferritin) without Anemia

[SkyWarn]

I found an interesting read on iron deficiency without anemia (which is what most of us frequent blood donors have). They even mention TRT as a cause:
Iron Deficiency Without Anemia – Common, Important, Neglected

 

[mazrim]

I have it and do not donate blood.

 

[SkyWarn]

I have it and do not donate blood.

How high is your HCT? Taking iron supplements?

 

[gaz7718]

Great article. Trying to resolve low ferratin myself. Been going on for about 6 months and currently taking iron and vit c supplements. Blood test due soon whilst other investigations take place to eliminate different causes.

 

[M.J]

I had it couldn’t sleep at night and bp issues, all solved when I stopped my every two week blood test and donating, and took iron supplement

 

[fifty]

Stopped donating and added iron supplement? What was your hematocrit?

 

[SkyWarn]

I had it couldn’t sleep at night and bp issues, all solved when I stopped my every two week blood test and donating, and took iron supplement

This is my quandary. My ferritin is 12 right now. I have had low ferritin for the past 7 years. The only time I had symptoms was about 5 years ago when I felt light headed and a little short of breath. had labs done and ferritin came back at 0.
Last April was my last donation and I haven't checked ferritin until about a week ago. I expected it to be somewhat normal since its been 10 months since a blood draw but its only 12.
Currently my only symptoms are feeling tired and very itchy for the last 4 weeks. Not sure if its the low ferritin causing the itchiness. Currently I am pinning 20mg eod test cyp sub-q. HCT is 52. I am afraid if I start iron supplements it will push my HCT into a danger zone. I'm thinking about reducing the T and then retesting.