FLFLOWERGIRL

Protein is good. Funny you ask if ferritin is a protein because actually it is a type of protein, but not the one that you are thinking of. Ferritin is an ~iron storage protein~ that the body synthesizes because "free iron" is actually toxic to our bodies. To prevent this iron toxicity the body then regulates the level of ferritin synthesis to accommodate different levels of iron. Ferritin is basically iron stores, stored in the bone marrow and organs; like the liver and spleen. This is used by the body when your need for iron is increased to build the Hgb level to keep you from becoming anemic.

When your total body iron is high ferritin is usually high, when total iron body is low, ferritin tends to be low as well. ~Iron deficient people~ tend to have a ferritin less than 10-12-15 whatever the bottom of your range is. My Hematologist says under 10, there is no iron remaining.

Ferritin can also be confusing in the presence of inflammation, because it is an ~acute phase reactant~, and can also be elevated in the setting of an iron deficiency anemia. For example; if you have an infection along with iron deficiency anemia you could still be iron deficient with a very high ferritin.

If you were anemic, you should have had a ferritin count. Maybe you did and don't realize it, in that case ask for a copy of your labs. You need one now if your hair is shedding to see if this is the problem or contributing to it. Anemia is the end stage of the ferritin stores. Take care. FLFG

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Best of luck to you! FLFLOWERGIRL
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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis / FM
Moderate Anemia (resolved), Low Ferritin-- Work in progress (Endometrial Ablation)
Hiatal Hernia--GERD