Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your cells. When ferritin is low, it signals that your body’s iron reserves are running low — often before your hemoglobin drops enough to cause anemia. This early warning is important because fatigue, weakness, and hair loss can start even with mild deficiency.
How low is too low for ferritin?
Many clinicians view ferritin below about 30 ng/mL as a sign that iron stores are running low. Symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness can begin at this stage even before anemia develops.
Can you have symptoms even if ferritin isn’t extremely low?
Yes. Many people experience fatigue, poor exercise tolerance, brittle nails, or restless legs even with moderately low ferritin. Your symptoms, iron panel, and medical history together help clarify significance.
Can ferritin go back to normal?
Ferritin often returns to normal after iron supplementation, improved absorption, reduction of blood loss, or correction of dietary deficiencies. Follow-up testing confirms whether levels are improving.
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