High Ferritin: What It Means and What to Do Next
High ferritin (above 300 ng/mL in men, 200 ng/mL in women) can indicate iron overload, inflammation, or liver disease. Most cases reflect inflammation rather than true iron excess. Further testing with iron/TIBC and CRP is needed to determine the cause of high ferritin.
What Causes High Ferritin?
Inflammation or Infection
Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant — it rises during any inflammatory process, infections, or chronic diseases.
Hemochromatosis
A genetic condition causing excessive iron absorption. Affects about 1 in 200 people of Northern European descent.
Liver Disease
Liver damage from alcohol, fatty liver, or hepatitis releases ferritin from liver cells into the bloodstream.
Metabolic Syndrome
Insulin resistance and obesity are associated with mildly elevated ferritin, likely due to chronic low-grade inflammation.
Associated Symptoms
What to Do Next
1. Retest to confirm
A single abnormal result should be confirmed with a repeat test. Temporary factors like stress, illness, or medications can affect results.
2. Related tests to consider
3. When to see a doctor
If your Ferritin is significantly abnormal, if you have severe symptoms, or if repeated results confirm the abnormality, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation of your results.
Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.