What are the symptoms of low ferritin? Are they as same as the symptoms of having low iron? What range is best for a female? Can the ferritin be low if someone is taking iron supplements?

Thanks for any information.

if your ferritin is low enough to start effecting your hgb, then you will develope the symptoms of anemia. How ever until it is really low, but enough to affect your hgb, there are only slight symptoms. You may notice that your hair if falling out more, or develope pica, mine is chewing ice. I have read that levels below 70 can cause hair lose. My hematologist would like to maintain my at least 50. I am in the low teen now, but the hair thing is not too bad yet. I do have an appointment for iron iv soon. I will prob have to have two or three before my levels are up to 50. I am told as long as I have a period, my ferritin will always be unstable and will have to have repeat iron iv.

mbbasketball,
You mentioned that you have an appointment for iv iron. May I ask-- how often do you get the iv iron? I had my first dose of it while I was in the hospital in Dec. Nothing since. I just had bloodwork last Thurs. and see my Hemo Oct. 26. I really feel that I am in need of another dose of the iv iron. I am dragging!!! The monthly B-12 shots seem to do nothing for me as far as being "energized"! So I was just curious as to how often you receive the iv iron. Do you also take iron supplements? I haven't but might have to do both.
Thanks!
elphers

mbbasketball, thanks for your response.

I do have anemia and take prescription iron three times a day. I just had my ferritin tested but don't know the results yet.

Your level sounds very low. I hope the IV iron helps you.

elphers: Since my diag or anemia, last Jan, I have had 4 and going for my 5th
My hematologist says that this may have to be done until menopause. I think I rather have iron iv instead of hotflashes, moodswings, sleepless night, etc.
After each treatment, my iron level goes up and then comes down. But we keep the iron up to keep from becoming anemic.
Prior ulcer keeps me from taking oral iron. So, I live with the side effect of the iv for a few day and usually last about 3-4 months.

My understanding is that Ferritin is your iron stores. I have always had iron levels in the low end, however earlier this year it dipped into deficiency, I only knew because my hair was falling out and the blood tests confirmed the deficiency. I believe you dont always have symptoms. I always feel pretty tired though due to low b12 and chronic pain and anxiety disorder. I took iron supplements for 4 months, after 2 months the hair stopped falling.