Direct Answer
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. A ferritin test measures how much stored iron you have. Low ferritin — even when your hemoglobin is normal — is one of the most common and most frequently missed causes of fatigue, hair loss, and brain fog in women. It is rarely included in a standard annual blood panel, which is why so many women are told their labs are normal while experiencing significant symptoms.
Ferritin vs. Iron vs. Hemoglobin — What's the Difference?
These three markers measure different things. Hemoglobin measures the iron-carrying protein in your red blood cells — it's what's checked to diagnose anemia. Serum iron measures the iron currently circulating in your blood. Ferritin measures your iron stores — how much iron your body has in reserve. You can have a normal hemoglobin and normal serum iron but critically low ferritin. This is called iron deficiency without anemia, and it causes real symptoms that standard panels miss.
Symptoms of Low Ferritin in Women
The most common symptoms of low ferritin include persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep, hair shedding or thinning (especially diffuse hair loss across the scalp), brain fog and difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath with mild exertion, restless legs at night, cold hands and feet, and pale skin. These symptoms can be subtle and are often attributed to stress, aging, or thyroid issues — when ferritin is the actual cause.
What Is a "Normal" Ferritin Level for Women?
Standard lab reference ranges for ferritin in women are typically 12–150 ng/mL. However, many functional medicine and hormone specialists consider levels below 50–70 ng/mL to be suboptimal for symptom resolution — particularly for hair loss. A ferritin of 15 ng/mL is technically "within range" but is associated with significant hair shedding in clinical practice. This is why provider interpretation matters more than the reference range alone.
How Is Low Ferritin Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and the underlying cause. Mild to moderate deficiency is typically treated with oral iron supplementation — the form and dose matter (ferrous bisglycinate is better tolerated than ferrous sulfate). Severe deficiency or poor oral absorption may require IV iron infusion. Dietary changes (increasing red meat, legumes, and vitamin C with iron-rich foods) support treatment. Your provider will retest ferritin after 8–12 weeks to assess response.
Why Isn't Ferritin on Standard Lab Panels?
Standard annual panels are designed to screen for common acute conditions — anemia, diabetes, kidney disease. Ferritin is not a standard screening marker despite being one of the most clinically useful tests for women experiencing fatigue and hair loss. You typically need to ask for it specifically, or see a provider who routinely includes it in a comprehensive wellness panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ferritin test?
A ferritin test measures the amount of stored iron in your body. Low ferritin — even with normal hemoglobin — is a common cause of fatigue, hair loss, and brain fog in women that standard panels miss.
What is a normal ferritin level for women?
Standard reference ranges are typically 12–150 ng/mL, but many specialists consider levels below 50–70 ng/mL suboptimal for symptom resolution, particularly for hair loss. A level of 15 ng/mL is "within range" but associated with significant hair shedding.
Can low ferritin cause hair loss?
Yes. Low ferritin is one of the most common causes of diffuse hair loss in women. Hair follicles require adequate iron stores to function. Ferritin levels below 50–70 ng/mL are associated with increased hair shedding even when hemoglobin is normal.
Where can I get a ferritin test in Orlando?
Rejuvenate & Wellness Center in Hunter's Creek, Orlando includes ferritin in our comprehensive women's wellness panels. No referral or insurance required. Call (321) 294-3586 to schedule.
Get a Comprehensive Women's Wellness Panel in Orlando
We include ferritin, hormones, thyroid, and metabolic markers in our comprehensive panels — not just the basics. No insurance required.
14050 Town Loop Blvd, Suite 202 · Hunter's Creek, Orlando, FL