Back to Biomarkers

Ferritin details

What Ferritin shows

Ferritin is the protein your body uses to store iron, and its blood level generally reflects the total amount of iron stored in your body, making it the most useful single marker for detecting iron deficiency, often before other blood counts (like hemoglobin) even start to drop. Low ferritin reliably indicates depleted iron stores. High ferritin is more complicated to interpret, since ferritin also rises as part of the body's general inflammatory response (it's an 'acute phase' protein) โ€” so an elevated result can mean either iron overload (such as hereditary hemochromatosis) or simply reflect inflammation, infection, liver disease, or another unrelated condition, which is why it's usually interpreted alongside iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation.

Higher ferritin can point to iron overload or inflammation

Seen with infection, liver disease, heavy alcohol use or inherited iron overload.

Lower ferritin can point to low iron stores

Often seen with tiredness, hair shedding, pale skin, shortness of breath or restless legs.

Who might consider it:

  • Ongoing tiredness, hair loss or feeling short of breath
  • Heavy periods, pregnancy or frequent blood donation
  • A plant-based diet or conditions that affect absorption
  • A family history of iron overload

What can affect your result

Inflammation

Infection or inflammation raises ferritin and can hide low iron stores.

Iron supplements

A recent dose can affect iron results. Pause them before your draw as your provider advises.

Alcohol and liver health

Regular drinking and liver disease can raise ferritin.

Preparation

  • Fasting is not needed unless your test includes iron, which is best drawn fasting in the morning.
  • Skip iron supplements for 24 hours before your draw, unless your provider advises otherwise.
  • If you have had a recent infection or illness, consider testing after you recover.

Tests that include Ferritin

Labcorp Not offered
Quest Not offered
Labcorp Not offered
Quest Not offered
Quest Not offered
Quest Not offered
Quest Not offered
Quest Not offered
Labcorp Not offered
ConsultationsConsultation

Not sure how to read your results? We can help.

Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. Weโ€™ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.

Book a specialist
Cart

Your cart is empty

Fill your cart with amazing items.

Visit shop
Select date and time
—

Pick a date to see times.

Personal details

Enter the details of the individual who will take the test.

Phone number*

By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy