HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Extreme Fatigue When Ferritin Level In Blood Is 6?

default
Posted on Mon, 8 Feb 2016
Question: Hello Doctor,
I am feeling extremely tired and was found to have a ferritin level of 6. My obgyn has not seen anyone with normal hemoglobin (10) and a low iron count like mine. How much iron should I take, and how long should it take for me to get my levels up to normal. I have been taking about 70 mg per day in liquid form (floradix) and eating a lot of iron rich foods for a month but I still feel very tired.
Thank you kindly, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ferritin value of 6 is low and indicates iron deficiency.

Detailed Answer:
Hello xxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for posting your query on Health Care Magic.

Ferritin level of 6 is low and it indicates iron deficiency.
Iron supplements and iron rich foods are definitely indicated in such situation which you're already on.

However, before concluding anything, I would like you to share the complete iron profile and the Complete Hemogram with Peripheral Smear examination.

I can help you better with this information.

Thanks
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (17 hours later)
Hello Dr Shailja Puri,

I had extensive blood work done 11/2015.
My IRON+TIBC+UIBC+SAT report looks like this:
IRON: 109 ug/dl
TIBC: 383 ug/dl
UIBC: 274 ug/dl
Saturation %: 28
FERRITIN: 6.7

HEMATOLOGY CBC+AUTOMATED DIFF looks like this:
WBC: 5.2
RBC: 4.32
Hemoglobin: 13.3
Hematocrit: 41
MCV:94
MCH:30.8
MCHC:32.8
RDW:13.7
PLATELET: 223
MPV: 8.6
Differential, Automated
Segmented%: 58.5
Segmented#: 3.0
Lymphocytes%: 33.39
Lymphocytes#: 1.7
Monocytes%: 6.7
Monocytes#:0.3
Eosinophils%: 0.95
Eosinophils#:0.05
Basophils%:0.41
Basophils#: 0.02

There is other information on my lab work like Comprehensive Metabolic, NMR lipoprofile, Hormones, Thyroid, etc...
If you should need these, please let me know.

Thank you again,
XXXXXXX Chafey

doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
Ferritin level is inappropriately low for iron profile.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
After going through your iron profile, it is evident that the blood iron, TIBC, % saturation and hemoglobin are within normal range.
The red blood cell indices are also within normal range.
There is no iron deficiency, however, the ferritin level is inappropriately low for the iron levels.
Hemoglobin level is also normal for age.
I suggest you to get a ferritin level repeated because it is not possible to have low ferritin level with normal iron profile.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Extreme Fatigue When Ferritin Level In Blood Is 6?

Brief Answer: Ferritin value of 6 is low and indicates iron deficiency. Detailed Answer: Hello xxxxxxxxxxxx, Thanks for posting your query on Health Care Magic. Ferritin level of 6 is low and it indicates iron deficiency. Iron supplements and iron rich foods are definitely indicated in such situation which you're already on. However, before concluding anything, I would like you to share the complete iron profile and the Complete Hemogram with Peripheral Smear examination. I can help you better with this information. Thanks Dr Shailja Puri