I tested two on ferritin about 3 years ago and got an iron infusion as I was travelling overseas a few weeks later. Had a gynaecological check up to see if they could identify the cause but didn’t get anywhere. Ferritin was back at 22 a couple of months ago and I had another infusion. My haematologist told me that Aetna will approve an iron infusion if the level is under 30 or 35 (I can’t remember exact amount).

In my home country, serum ferritin levels under 30 in an adult are classified as medicating iron deficiency.

This is OP again, thanks for all the information. I was reading up on all this and see that some people can have normal levels of folate and vitamin B12, like I do, but not be able to use it functionally. I will ask my doctor to have homocysteine levels checked. I would need a referral to see a hematologist, and I think I need more data points before they’d take it seriously.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Symptoms are fatigue, dizziness, some exercise intolerance, cold hands, general feeling of unwellness. Lots and lots of things tested, all normal or near normal. Iron level (115) and TIBC are normal, but a few years ago Ferritin was 22, and before that it was 20 - which are at low end of normal.

No doctor has brought my Ferritin level up as an issue, but online I’m reading about how some people are symptomatic at that ferritin level even if iron and TIBC are normal. Also have slightly low RBC and high MCV. Should I be looking for a different doctor than primary care for this? I keep hearing that “labs are good,” but I feel like cr@p.

See a hematologist.

+1 Definitely see a Hematologist

My ferritin was 12 and I felt like death.

I took Proferrin supplement. Withing 3 months I felt better.

I'm sorry that doctors are stupid about the topic of ferritin, but they are.

They will say anything over 12 is fine. It's not for all people. I never feel right unless my ferritin is more than 50. I was so lethargic and having trouble breathing and was ignored for years. Finally, I saw a doctor who tested me for ferritin. My ferritin was 7!

I took Ferrett's Iron Supplement, 325 mg.

Get your blood tested again because you also do not want your iron to get too high! You can ask your primary or a good doctor when a good time is to get checked. For me, it took about three months to get my ferritin from 7 to 50 or so.

You can help this along by eating meat and being sure to have any calcium APART from taking iron. Don't eat calcium pills or foods at the same time as iron.

Vitamin C helps with iron absorption. You could eat beef and drink OJ at a meal. Not my fave combo but it fits the bill for helping with this issue.

I have very heavy perimenopause bleeding and that causes my ferritin to drop, even though my hemoglobin shows in the normal range. I get iron infusions at the hematologist’s. Insurance will generally approve it if your ferritin is below 30, so ask.

Anonymous wrote:Symptoms are fatigue, dizziness, some exercise intolerance, cold hands, general feeling of unwellness. Lots and lots of things tested, all normal or near normal. Iron level (115) and TIBC are normal, but a few years ago Ferritin was 22, and before that it was 20 - which are at low end of normal.

No doctor has brought my Ferritin level up as an issue, but online I’m reading about how some people are symptomatic at that ferritin level even if iron and TIBC are normal. Also have slightly low RBC and high MCV. Should I be looking for a different doctor than primary care for this? I keep hearing that “labs are good,” but I feel like cr@p.

See a hematologist.

Check out the Iron Protocol FB page. Lots of info there on raising your ferritin.

Anonymous wrote: Any GI issues? You said Ferratin is normal range in your post, but your title said it is low. Low end of normal is normal.

Occasional GI issues, like feeling pain after eating a large meal. So I eat small meals. I’ve had GI panels done in 2022 and 2025. IgA is a little low - 81.

Ferritin level has ranged from 20 to 22 over the years. I plan to get it rechecked. It is in the normal range but online there are many accounts of people having the same symptoms at that level, such as fatigue, dizziness, some exercise intolerance.

Any GI issues? You said Ferratin is normal range in your post, but your title said it is low. Low end of normal is normal.

Anonymous wrote:How high is MCV?

MCV is 104

How high is MCV?

Anonymous wrote:If your MCV is high, you need to check B12 and folate.

Can also be large due to alcohol.

If you are a woman and getting your period, a low ferritin is common. Continue a supplement.

This is OP - vitamin B12 and folate levels are on the higher side of normal. Very little consumption of alcohol. Periods could be an issue for the ferritin level. Not sure what’s causing the high MCV though.

I have to get full iron panels quarterly (in maintenance for hemochromatosis).

It’s super important when and how you get your iron panels tested to get an accurate result. It needs to be 10-12 hour fasting, and done in the morning.

Anonymous wrote:If your MCV is high, you need to check B12 and folate.

Can also be large due to alcohol.

If you are a woman and getting your period, a low ferritin is common. Continue a supplement.

+1 on the b12 screen