Female Ferritin
Female iron stores, thresholds, and fatigue symptoms.
The WHO lower limit for ferritin in women is 15 ng/mL; however, for symptoms like fatigue and hair loss, the clinical target is often 30-50 ng/mL. Heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common cause of low ferritin in women.
| Level | Value (ng/mL) | Clinical Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Deficiency | < 15 | Iron stores completely depleted |
| Borderline / Low | 15 – 30 | Latent iron deficiency, symptom onset |
| Optimal Target | 30 – 100 | Normal physiological storage level |
| High | > 150 | Requires evaluation for inflammation or liver issues |
Clinical Evaluation and Symptoms
During the process of evaluating low ferritin in women, laboratory results must always be assessed in conjunction with the patient's clinical picture, symptoms, and additional biomarkers. A single test result is not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis.
Which Medical Specialist Should Be Consulted?
To evaluate out-of-reference values in your results, consult the relevant specialist physician (Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, or Pediatrics).
Why is ferritin more frequently low in women than men?
Monthly menstrual bleeding leads to regular iron loss. When dietary iron intake cannot compensate for this loss, stores are rapidly depleted.
My ferritin is 20, should I take medication?
Although 20 ng/mL may appear within the reference range, iron treatment for symptomatic women should be evaluated by a physician.
- World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Iron Deficiency in Women (2020)
- Turkish Society of Hematology Anemia Diagnostic Standards
General information only; not diagnosis or treatment. Review your results with your clinician.
