What is a Ferritin test?
Ferritin stores iron inside your cells and releases it when your body needs it. When ferritin is low, your iron stores are depleted — often before haemoglobin drops. This means ferritin deficiency can cause fatigue and hair loss even when your CBC looks normal. The test is a simple blood draw; no fasting required.
Ferritin Normal Range
| Group | Normal Range (ng/mL) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Men | 24 – 336 | Normal |
| Women (premenopausal) | 11 – 307 | Normal |
| Children (1–5 yrs) | 6 – 24 | Normal |
| Iron Deficiency | < 12 | Low |
| Possible Deficiency | 12 – 30 | Borderline |
| Iron Overload Risk | > 1000 | Very High |
What does LOW ferritin mean?
LOW Ferritin below 12 ng/mL — Iron Deficiency
Low ferritin is the earliest sign of iron deficiency — before anaemia appears. Common causes: poor diet (vegetarians, picky eaters), heavy menstrual periods (most common cause in women), pregnancy, rapid growth in children, blood donation, GI bleeding (ulcers, haemorrhoids, worms). Symptoms: extreme fatigue, hair shedding, brittle nails, shortness of breath, restless legs, difficulty concentrating. Treatment is iron supplements, but your doctor should identify the cause first.
What does HIGH ferritin mean?
HIGH Ferritin above 300 ng/mL (men) / 200 ng/mL (women)
High ferritin can mean iron overload (haemochromatosis), but more often it is a sign of inflammation, infection, liver disease, alcohol use, metabolic syndrome or even cancer. Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant — it rises during any inflammatory state. Your doctor will interpret high ferritin alongside CRP, liver function tests and transferrin saturation before concluding iron overload.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing my low ferritin — diet, absorption or blood loss?
- Which iron supplement and dose should I take?
- Should I also check serum iron and TIBC?
- When should I retest?