Ferritin: Normal Range, What High & Low Levels Mean

A ferritin blood test measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside your cells, circulating in your blood. Because the level of ferritin in your blood reflects your body's total iron stores, this test gives doctors a reliable window into how much iron you have in reserve. It is actually the most sensitive single test for diagnosing iron deficiency, which means it can reveal a shortage of iron before other signs appear. The test usually involves a simple blood draw. Your result, measured in ng/mL, becomes most meaningful when reviewed alongside your overall health, so discuss what your specific ferritin reading means with your healthcare provider.

Normal ferritin ranges depend on your age and sex. For adult men aged 18 and older, a typical range is 12 to 300 ng/mL. Premenopausal adult women generally fall between 12 and 150 ng/mL, while postmenopausal women range from 12 to 263 ng/mL. Children have lower ranges: those aged 1 to 5 years typically measure 6 to 24 ng/mL, and children aged 6 to 9 years fall between 10 and 55 ng/mL. Different laboratories may report results slightly differently, and your personal health history matters when interpreting any number. To understand where your own result fits and what it means for you, talk it through with your healthcare provider.

A high ferritin level can mean your body is storing too much iron, or it can signal inflammation, since ferritin rises in response to it. One cause is hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that leads to iron overload. Other causes include liver disease such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, along with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Infection or sepsis can raise it too, as can metabolic syndrome and obesity, alcohol use disorder, hyperthyroidism, certain cancers including lymphoma and leukemia, frequent blood transfusions, and adult-onset Still's disease. Because so many conditions can lift your ferritin, a single high reading rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with your healthcare provider to understand the cause.

Low ferritin usually points to depleted iron stores. The most common cause worldwide is iron deficiency, which can progress to iron deficiency anemia. Several situations can drain your iron: malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease, inadequate dietary iron, which is common in vegetarian and vegan diets without supplementation, and the increased iron demands of pregnancy. Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding and chronic gastrointestinal blood loss from ulcers or polyps can also lower your stores over time. In many parts of the world, hookworm infestation is a frequent cause. Pinpointing why your ferritin is low matters as much as the number itself, so discuss your specific result and possible causes with your healthcare provider.

When your ferritin runs low, you may notice fatigue and persistent tiredness, along with shortness of breath even after mild activity. Your skin, gums, or the inside of your eyelids may look pale. Some people develop brittle nails, hair loss or thinning, restless leg syndrome, or brain fog that makes it hard to concentrate. Cold hands and feet, frequent headaches, and a sore or swollen tongue can also appear. A more unusual sign is pica, a craving for non-food items such as ice, dirt, or clay. These symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, so if you recognize several of them, talk with your healthcare provider about whether testing is right for you.

Yes, your ferritin level can shift over time, sometimes considerably. Because ferritin rises with inflammation and falls as iron stores are used up, your number can move in response to illness, diet, blood loss, pregnancy, or changes in an underlying condition. A single reading captures only one moment, which is why your doctor may suggest repeating the test to see how your level trends. Comparing results over weeks or months often reveals more than any one value alone. Tracking your ferritin alongside how you feel can help you and your care team spot meaningful patterns. Decisions about when and whether to retest depend on your situation, so discuss the right timing and approach with your healthcare provider.