Since February, I felt exhausted, sluggish, and constantly battling brain fog. I dismissed it as stress but when I finally went for blood work, the results showed that my ferritin levels were critically low.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body and when it's low it can affect your health in many ways. Here's what I learned about low ferritin, and how you can recognize the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
While everyone experiences low ferritin differently, here are some common signs:
Extreme fatigue and weakness: You feel constantly tired, even after getting enough sleep.
Pale skin: Your skin may have a pale or yellowish hue even when you're having a good skin care routine, it won't help.
Shortness of breath: You might have trouble catching your breath, even with minimal exertion.
Headaches and dizziness: Frequent headaches and lightheadedness can be symptoms.
Cold hands and feet: You might experience unusual coldness in your extremities.
Hair loss and brittle nails: This can be a sign of iron deficiency.
Restless legs syndrome: A constant urge to move your legs, especially at night.
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating: You may feel mentally lethargic and find it hard to focus.
There are several reasons why your ferritin levels might be low:
Dietary deficiencies: Not consuming enough iron-rich foods or having difficulty absorbing iron.
Heavy menstrual bleeding: Women with heavy periods can lose significant iron.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: These states can increase iron demand.
Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcers can affect iron absorption.
Chronic diseases: Chronic illnesses can lead to low ferritin.
Blood loss: Internal bleeding or frequent blood donations can deplete iron levels.
Certain medications: Some medications can interfere with iron absorption.
Low ferritin can have consequences for your health:
Impaired cognitive function: Low iron can affect brain function, causing cognitive decline and mood swings.
Increased risk of infection: Low ferritin weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
Cardiovascular issues: Severe iron deficiency can lead to heart problems.
Pregnancy complications: Low ferritin during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
The treatment for low ferritin depends on the underlying cause:
Dietary changes: Increase your intake of iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy green vegetables, beans, and lentils.
Iron supplements: Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements to increase your iron levels.
Addressing underlying medical conditions: Treating any underlying medical conditions that are contributing to low ferritin.
Here are some tips to prevent low ferritin:
Eat a diet rich in iron: Include iron-rich foods in your diet regularly.
Take iron supplements if needed: Discuss with your doctor if you need supplements.
Get regular blood tests: Get your iron levels checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors.
Manage underlying medical conditions: Seek medical attention for any health issues that could contribute to low ferritin.
While you're working on raising your ferritin levels, here are some strategies to manage:
Prioritize rest and sleep: Get enough sleep and prioritize rest to combat fatigue.
Eat a balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods to support your body.
Regular exercise: Gentle exercise can help improve energy levels.
Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Can I have Low ferritin and normal iron levels? Absolutely! this is my case and it's a common scenario, and it's crucial to understand why.
Iron levels measure the amount of iron currently circulating in your blood while Ferritin levels indicate how much iron is stored in your body.
A normal iron level might indicate that your body has enough iron at that moment, but a low ferritin level suggests that your iron reserves are depleted, meaning your body struggles to access iron when needed.
Since discovering my critically low ferritin, I've been taking serious steps to heal the issue. I've made dietary changes, started taking iron supplements, and am managing my lifestyle to support my recovery.
It's a journey, and I will keep you updated, I hope sharing my experience helps you understand the importance of recognizing and managing low ferritin. If you suspect you have low ferritin, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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| Photo by Karolina Kaboompics |
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