Low iron (ferritin)
Request an online visit for Low iron (ferritin). A licensed provider reviews your case and prescribes treatment when appropriate.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026
About Low iron (ferritin)
Low iron, often reflected by a low serum ferritin even before anemia develops, can cause fatigue, exercise intolerance, hair shedding, restless legs, and difficulty concentrating. Ferritin is the body's iron storage protein and is the most sensitive early marker of depletion. Common drivers include menstrual losses, pregnancy, GI bleeding, malabsorption, low dietary intake, and frequent blood donation. Evaluation looks for an underlying cause; treatment ranges from dietary changes and oral iron salts to IV iron infusion when stores are very low or oral iron is poorly tolerated.
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Reference only. Not a substitute for medical advice. Not appropriate for emergencies or controlled substances.