In this blog, we explain:
- What ferritin is?
- What a ferritin blood test reveals about your health and well-being.
- Why iron is such an essential mineral for long-term and short-term health.
- How to identify if something isn’t quite right with your iron levels.
- What happens during your private medical in Richmond when you undergo your ferritin test?
- How to stabilise your ferritin levels.
An introduction to ferritin blood tests
Ferritin is a blood protein containing iron. During a ferritin blood test, your doctor can identify if your ferritin levels are too high, too low, or just right.
Iron is an essential mineral that we all need to stay healthy. It’s key to creating enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to body tissues. All systems in the body need oxygen to generate energy, but like everything else in life, there is such a thing as having too much or too little of something – including iron.
What do high ferritin levels indicate?
High ferritin levels indicate that you have a condition that causes your body to stockpile too much iron. Inflammation, liver disease, hemochromatosis (a genetic condition causing excess iron) and autoimmune system disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis) can all result in elevated ferritin levels; the complications include:
- Chronic inflammation (which can cause severe infections).
- Cancer.
- A compromised immune response.
High ferritin levels symptoms to be aware of:
- Stomach pain.
- Unexplained weakness and fatigue.
- Heart palpitations.
- Aching joints.
What do low ferritin levels indicate?
Low ferritin levels may indicate low iron levels associated with anaemia. However, it is worth mentioning that you can have lower-than-average iron levels without being anaemic. In this case, your doctor may wish to continue monitoring your iron levels to make sure they do not deplete further to the point of reaching anaemia, which can be a debilitating condition to live with, causing symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Numbness in the hands and feet.
- Feeling cold.
- Heart palpitations.
- Aching joints.
- Stomach aches.
Untreated, both high and low levels of ferritin can affect everything from your energy levels and immune response to your mental well-being and long-term organ functions.
If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should make an appointment for a private medical with us in Richmond to assess the origin of these.
What happens during a ferritin test?
A ferritin level test is a simple blood test where your doctor will take a small blood sample from your arm. The process usually takes at most 5 minutes.
Next steps after your ferritin test
Once we have obtained your test results, we can look at how to tackle excess or low ferritin levels.
Further tests or a referral might be needed to identify the root of the issue. You might need to eat an iron-rich diet or take vitamin B supplements to boost your iron levels.
Why have a private medical in Richmond with Bodyvie?
As a private clinic, we have the time and resources to do in-depth investigations, even if your results come back as ‘normal’.
We can help you attain the ‘optimal’ range for your age, gender, and weight, rather than the ‘normal’ range, to improve your overall health as much as possible.
Contact Bodyvie for a quick turnaround ferritin blood test today.
I had no idea how important ferritin levels were until I read this blog! It’s fascinating how something as simple as a ferritin blood test can reveal so much about our health and well-being. I’m definitely going to pay more attention to my iron levels now and consider getting a ferritin test.
I appreciate the detailed walkthrough of what to expect during a ferritin test. The step-by-step explanation makes the process less intimidating for readers who might be considering this test for the first time.
Furthermore, the emphasis on Bodyvie’s approach to private medical care in Richmond stands out. The commitment to going beyond the “normal” range to help clients achieve their “optimal” health showcases a dedication to comprehensive wellness. It’s evident that Bodyvie is committed to not only diagnosing issues but also guiding individuals toward effective solutions.