An alarming ferritin level is generally considered to be above established thresholds, which differ based on sex. For women, a serum ferritin level greater than 200 ng/mL is often considered abnormal. For men, this threshold is 300 ng/mL. However, it's important to note that many people have levels between 200 and 1,000 ng/mL.
Understanding Ferritin Levels
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Measuring ferritin levels in the blood helps assess how much iron you have stored. High ferritin levels can indicate various conditions, from inflammation to iron overload disorders.
Ferritin Level Ranges
| Category | Ferritin Level (ng/mL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Women | <200 | Typically considered within normal range. |
| >200 | Often considered abnormal or elevated. | |
| Men | <300 | Typically considered within normal range. |
| >300 | Often considered abnormal or elevated. |
What Causes Elevated Ferritin Levels?
- Inflammation: Conditions that cause inflammation can raise ferritin levels, even if iron stores are not actually high.
- Iron Overload: Diseases like hemochromatosis can lead to excess iron storage.
- Liver Disease: Liver damage can result in the release of ferritin.
- Other Conditions: Cancers, kidney disease, and metabolic syndromes are also potential causes.
What to do if you have High Ferritin Levels?
- Consult a doctor: If your ferritin levels are above the normal range, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
- Additional Testing: Your doctor might order additional tests to find the underlying cause.
- Treatment: Treatment will vary based on the cause of your high ferritin levels.
Important Note: While many laboratories consider serum ferritin levels greater than 200 ng/mL in women and greater than 300 ng/mL in men to be abnormal, a large percentage of the general population has a serum ferritin level between 200 and 1,000 ng/mL. Therefore, a high ferritin reading should always be interpreted alongside other clinical findings and lab tests.
