@emfish18, @marjou, and all...I'm 75 and have iron deficiency diagnosed after a sleep study for obstructive sleep apnea a couple of years ago. During the overnight sleep study, I was diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome. Apparently, that is often caused by low iron absorption. So, Mayo tested my ferritin, the protein that delivers iron through the blood to organs. It was extremely low.

When I was younger, in my 20-30s, I had low blood iron tests and took iron supplements. I had lots of nausea and didn't do well on the supplements. But, I now think this may have been an issue for decades that went undiagnosed, behind many of my quality of life issues.

The sleep doctor began me taking Vitron C, an OTC supplement. It has C included which aids in absorption and reduces side effects. I took it for a year, 1X daily, with some constipation but handled it for the year. My ferritin level increased but not enough, so I had 2 IV iron infusions that were a gift from above.

My life improved in so many ways. Thank you Mayo and God for this help. Now, I'm testing low again, so heading for 2 more infusions. That's fine. If needed, I'll have them every few months and be thankful.

I tell you this to help you realize the importance of iron for the organs to function AND that there may be many reasons for low iron tests-bleeding from somewhere, poor absorption by your intestines, or others. If your GYN is concerned about your colon possibly bleeding, ask questions.

You are your own best advocate. Be sure you ask your doctor every question you have and wait for an answer. They may suspect bleeding, possibly from a stool test or whatever. But, be sure you find the reason for the colonoscopy.

They aren't fun, and the prep is horrid, but the test is a good one we need every few years beginning at or close to your age. Not needed now usually but every 3 years since if they find polyps and remove them, it will take 3 years to grow another one that's big enough to need to be removed, at least this is what I've just been told by the doctor. This is new information.

I've had multiple large pre-cancerous polyps removed during several colonoscopic procedures. Thankfully. They were removed prior to development into cancer. That's the point. Those procedures saved my life.

I, as an older woman who had a hysterectomy at 35 and is thrilled to be alive, suggest you talk turkey with your doctors and get the facts and their thinking. Then, you can make a logical, informed decision. But, remember, a colonoscopy can save your life. And, they're in your future anyway.

Be blessed in your journey. Elizabeth