Ferritin Levels Through The Roof

[turnthatfrownupsidedown1]

Not sure what to think, I had tests done for my health and menopause and one of my results showed Ferritin levels off the scale, I'm ringing to speak to the doctor tomorrow as I've been advised to follow up with the GP.

Any thoughts, feeling slightly concerned tonight.

Thanks

Not helpful but I’m a bit envious as mine are always shit. Are there risks to it being high?

Disclaimer: not a doctor. Could be haemochromatosis (not sure of spelling) which is often diagnosed in women at menopause. If it is, it's good to catch it, it's very treatable. My DM had it and had to have bloods taken either weekly or daily for a while (can't remember which sorry - menopause has killed my memory) which stabilised it, then it's a regular iron test.

It's one of those things that can damage the liver if not caught, but if they're catching it now that's a really good thing.

@LaviniasBigBloomers is absolutely right, if levels are too high it can damage the liver.

Get checked out, very easily treatable if you have it through blood letting. If particularly high they may need you to take some dietary precautions (ie being aware of the iron rich foods and avoiding or eating in moderation).

Thank you.

It's nearly 497, way over normal from what I've read.

I'm half expecting the doctor to say it's nothing, retest in 3 months but there are all sorts of things to read on Dr Google...staying away from this for now!

Obviously follow up with your GP but if you are struggling to speak to anyone quickly you could try the haemochromatosis advice line. There are other factors/symptoms and GPs are often not knowledgeable about the condition. It's very well managed if diagnosed early.

If it is haemochromatosis, then it’s mild. My DH has it and was diagnosed when his level was 840, even that was considered mild. Some people have levels in the thousands.

Absolutely stay away from google but equally don't be fobbed off. There's a specific test for heaomchromotosis (I'm spelling it differently every time now!) which will rule it in or out quickly (and cheaply - no reason not to have it, it's a simple blood test).

Mine is similar (I am 57). First test in Dec I was told it is an infection marker and test again in a month. Second test still similar. GP told me that as my other iron readings were normal it wasn't anything to worry about but test again in about 6 months so it could be monitored.

Thank you!

@Groutyonehereagain that's encouraging. I'm not looking for problems, it's come out of the blue so was a bit taken aback!

I will stay away from google 😵‍💫@LaviniasBigBloomers

I had similar when I had a virus recently, returned to normal a couple of weeks afterward.

That's interesting @TherealmrsT I'll
probably fall into that camp!

Fingers crossed.

Definitely did not have a virus when the bloods were taken but you never know. I do have HypoThyroidisim so maybe that's something to do with it.

Sorry that was for @MustYou

Mine was that high a month ago. All I got told was not to take any iron supplements.

The problem with ferritin is that a high level may have nothing to do with iron stores. It also acts as what is called an acute phase reactant, which means that when you are unwell with almost any illness ferritin will shoot up, then take a while to settle when you’ve recovered.

If you have had a recent covid infection or bout of norovirus, that could cause high ferritin. Or an inflammatory illness like rheumatoid arthritis. Or anything serious or non-serious, really.

Your GP should be able to give you some idea of what’s likely and unlikely. I’m sorry you’re having a worrying time, hopefully it’s nothing, and that is a possibility.

This happened to me years ago. It soon returned to normal the GP put it down to a virus. I felt awful

Or an inflammatory illness like rheumatoid arthritis.
@Astromelia that's interesting as mine was part of bloods taken for Lupus. Now I'm not so worried so thank you for posting that.

And just to add if it doesn't return to normal you simply have to have blood taken put of youbevery month or so. Very treatable condition. Try not to worry

I have hypothyroidism too and usually have the (sort of) opposite issue - anaemia. It showed up with me after I tested positive for a virus but a few weeks later when I was starting to feel better. I was tested as I was getting ill quite regularly. Then it settled back down after that. It was quite an anomaly for me, but then just went.

Thanks all, very kind to post. I don't feel so worried now, I'll get some sleep tonight!

I'm sure it's nothing but it just took me by surprise.

Another thing to add to my massive to do list...sort out ferritin levels...

Mine was 9 about weeks ago, can I have a bit of yours please?

Sorry I'm not any actual use with the problem solving though 😬

I second possible haemochromotosis. My DP has it. Very treatable- he just gives blood every 3 months and they check his levels regularly to ensure that's keeping them level. No issues. But worth getting checked for it as, left untreated for a long time, can lead to further issues.

Just had another blood test and it's risen to nearly 700 on my ferritin levels.

Been referred for an abdominal scan and then the haematology department.

Any perils of wisdom to share with me? Starting to feel a little concerned...

Thank you 🤔

It's quite possible it's haemochromatosis. What is your transferrin saturation? Usually both are elevated. I was investigated for it and found to have 1 but not both of possible markers (so I have higher than average blood results, but not technically haemochromatosis).

Also, what's your alcohol consumption like? Heavy drinking can also increase your ferritin. Have they done other liver function tests? I would assume they have. If those are normal, that's a good sign.

Are any other results out of line? As mentioned, liver function tests?