Ferritin and Iron Tests
Iron is one of the most essential minerals in the body, playing a central role in the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen to every tissue and organ. Ferritin is the protein responsible for storing iron, and it serves as one of the most sensitive indicators of the body's iron reserves. Together, a ferritin and iron blood test panel provides a clearer picture of iron status than either test alone — and can help explain a range of symptoms including persistent fatigue, hair loss, and reduced physical stamina.
What Is a Ferritin Test?
A ferritin test measures the level of ferritin in the blood, which is the protein that stores iron and releases it when the body needs it. Because ferritin reflects the body's iron reserves rather than just the amount of iron currently circulating, it is considered a more reliable early indicator of iron deficiency than a standard iron test alone. Low ferritin levels can be present even when other iron markers appear within the normal range, which is why it is often the first sign of developing iron deficiency.
What Is an Iron Blood Test?
An iron blood test, also referred to as a serum iron test, measures the amount of iron currently circulating in the bloodstream. It is often performed alongside a ferritin test and a full blood count as part of a broader iron panel. While serum iron levels can fluctuate throughout the day and in response to recent dietary intake, ferritin provides a more stable reflection of overall iron stores. Together, these tests give a comprehensive view of iron status.
What Is the Difference Between Ferritin and Iron Tests?
The key distinction is what each test measures. Serum iron measures the iron currently in the blood, which can vary based on recent meals and time of day. Ferritin measures stored iron (the body's iron reserve) and is a more stable and sensitive marker of long-term iron status. It is possible to have a serum iron level that appears normal while ferritin is low, indicating that iron stores are being depleted before deficiency becomes apparent in other markers. This is why ferritin is often the preferred test when investigating symptoms such as fatigue or hair loss.
Symptoms Associated with Low Ferritin and Iron Deficiency
Low ferritin and iron deficiency can present in a range of ways, and symptoms are often gradual in onset. Common signs that may prompt a ferritin and iron panel include persistent or unexplained fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating, hair thinning or increased shedding, pale skin, brittle nails, and a general sense of low energy. In more advanced cases, iron deficiency may progress to anaemia, at which point symptoms such as breathlessness and a rapid heartbeat may also be present.
What Is Typically Included in an Iron Panel?
| Test | What It Measures | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Ferritin | Iron storage protein levels | Most sensitive early indicator of iron depletion |
| Serum Iron | Circulating iron in the blood | Reflects current iron availability |
| Transferrin Saturation | Percentage of transferrin bound to iron | Helps assess how efficiently iron is being transported |
| Full Blood Count (CBC) | Red blood cell size, count, and haemoglobin | Identifies whether iron deficiency has progressed to anaemia |
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Contact a specialistFrequently Asked Questions
What is a ferritin test?
A ferritin test is a blood test that measures the level of ferritin, which is the protein that stores iron in the body. It is one of the most reliable indicators of the body's iron reserves and is often used to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, and reduced stamina. Low ferritin can be present even before other signs of iron deficiency appear in routine blood work, making it a valuable early marker.
What is the difference between ferritin and iron tests?
A serum iron blood test measures the amount of iron currently circulating in the bloodstream, which can vary throughout the day. A ferritin test measures the body's stored iron, which is a more stable and sensitive reflection of long-term iron status. It is possible to have a normal serum iron result while ferritin is low, meaning iron stores are depleted even if circulating iron appears adequate. For this reason, ferritin is often considered the more informative test when symptoms such as fatigue or hair thinning are present.
What are normal ferritin levels?
Normal ferritin levels vary depending on age, sex, and the reference ranges used by the testing laboratory. As a general guide, levels are typically considered within the normal range for adult women between approximately 12 and 150 micrograms per litre, and for adult men between approximately 30 and 400 micrograms per litre. However, some clinicians consider levels at the lower end of the normal range to be suboptimal, particularly when symptoms such as fatigue or hair loss are present. Your healthcare provider is best placed to interpret your results in the context of your symptoms.
Can low ferritin cause fatigue and hair loss?
Yes. Low ferritin is one of the most common and identifiable causes of both persistent fatigue and increased hair shedding. Iron stores are essential for the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body, and for the healthy functioning of hair follicles. When ferritin levels fall, even before full iron-deficiency anaemia develops, the body may begin to prioritise iron for essential functions, reducing the supply available to hair follicles and contributing to thinning or shedding. Ask your doctor about a ferritin test for hair loss if you are experiencing hair thinning.
When should you get a ferritin test?
A ferritin test is worth considering if you are experiencing persistent fatigue that is not explained by lifestyle factors, noticeable hair thinning or increased shedding, reduced exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating, or other symptoms that may suggest low iron stores. It is also commonly recommended as part of a broader investigation into fatigue or hair loss. A healthcare provider can advise on whether a ferritin and iron profile blood test is appropriate based on your individual symptoms and medical history.
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