For people who are losing iron, and are not seeing blood in their stool, do they think it is from internal bleeding or malabsorption? Do you recommend tests to figure this out? What oral iron are people finding most absorbable? Or if getting infusions how often do you do find you have to do that?
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I have iron issues and we came to the conclusion that it is an absorbtion issue. For me, oral iron does nothing. I go for periodic iron infusions and I see a hematologist for this. I go every three months for blood work and I get the infusions as needed.
Iron absorption issues generally only come into play if bleeding of some sort creates an deficit. This is more complicated for women, because iron loss through menstruation definitely counts. If a male has low iron then the bleeding question is usually more important than the absorption question.
Go see a hematologist they will test you for everything under the sun. They took 10 bikes of blood the first time I went. If you are iron deficient they will most likely want to try out oral iron supplements and if those aren't doing the job the will most likely hook you up with an iron drip to speed things up. The iron supplements won't work overnight they take some time to show results. Be aware also you will almost be guaranteed side effects such and stomach pains and cramping. I noticed a huge difference when I was taking them to when I stopped. I would definitely recommend a hematologist that is the specialist you are going to get your answers from. Good luck.