What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your ferritin levels mean for your energy, stamina, and overall health. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes to increase iron absorption, supplement suggestions if needed, or whether you should investigate underlying causes of iron deficiency. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your ferritin levels over time using our trends feature to see how dietary changes or supplementation are improving your iron stores.

When will I get my results?

You can expect your results within 3 business days after your blood sample reaches the lab. In some cases, if additional confirmation testing is needed to verify unusual results, the turnaround time may be slightly extended. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is ideal for anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, or dizziness that doesn't improve with rest. Women with heavy menstrual periods, pregnant women, athletes, vegetarians or vegans, and people with digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption should consider testing. It's also important for anyone diagnosed with anemia who needs to monitor their iron stores during treatment.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms of low ferritin include persistent tiredness even after adequate sleep, pale skin or pale inner eyelids, brittle nails, hair loss, frequent headaches, and feeling cold all the time. You might also experience shortness of breath during normal activities, difficulty concentrating, or unusual cravings for ice or non-food items. If you have several of these symptoms, testing your ferritin can help identify if iron deficiency is the cause.

How can I naturally support healthy iron levels?

Boost your iron intake by eating iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Pair these with vitamin C sources like citrus fruits, bell peppers, or tomatoes to enhance iron absorption. Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, as they can block iron absorption, and cook in cast-iron cookware to add small amounts of iron to your food. If you're vegetarian or vegan, focus on combining plant-based iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods at every meal.

What does low ferritin mean?

Low ferritin indicates your body's iron stores are depleted, even if you're not yet anemic. This means your body doesn't have enough iron reserves to maintain energy production, healthy red blood cells, and proper immune function. Low ferritin often causes fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating, and it can eventually lead to iron deficiency anemia if not addressed through diet, supplements, or treating underlying causes like heavy periods or digestive issues.

What does high ferritin mean?

High ferritin can indicate several things: iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis, chronic inflammation from conditions like arthritis or infections, liver disease, or even certain types of cancer. Ferritin is an acute phase reactant, meaning it naturally rises when your body is fighting inflammation or infection. If your ferritin is high, your doctor will want to investigate whether it's due to excess iron storage or an underlying inflammatory or medical condition.

How often should I retest my ferritin levels?

If you're treating iron deficiency with supplements or dietary changes, retest every 2-3 months to monitor improvement and ensure you're reaching optimal levels. Once your ferritin is in the healthy range, annual testing is usually sufficient unless you have ongoing symptoms or risk factors like heavy periods or digestive issues. If you're being monitored for iron overload conditions, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing every 3-6 months.