Description

Assessing Your Body’s Iron Storage Levels

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. A ferritin blood test measures how much iron is stored—helping to diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload.

Low Ferritin Levels May Indicate:

  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Headaches
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Irritability
  • Leg pains or restless legs
  • Shortness of breath, especially during exertion

Often linked to iron deficiency anemia, low ferritin can develop gradually and may go unnoticed until symptoms worsen.

High Ferritin Levels May Indicate:

  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Chest discomfort
  • Joint pain or stiffness

Elevated ferritin may be due to iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis, but can also reflect inflammation, liver disease, autoimmune conditions, or repeated blood transfusions.

Why Order This Test?

Doctors may recommend a ferritin test if you are experiencing unexplained fatigue, symptoms of anemia, or are being monitored for chronic illness or iron-related conditions.

Fasting not required.