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What Does This Ferritin Level Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016
Question: I am anemic. 8.7 and ferritin of 3. How bad is that?
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Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

From the laboratory values you have shared it does appear that you have iron deficiency anemia. It is important for your doctor to determine why your hemoglobin is low. In a female of your age the most common cause of this is menstruation and blood loss related to menstrual period.

if this is attributed to menstrual blood loss then your doctor can give you iron supplementation intravenously to help restore your iron levels.your iron levels return to normal your hemoglobin will slowly improve.

At this point your hemoglobin level is not life-threatening. Your doctor will closely follow your blood count as you begin iron supplementation.

If there is any suspicion that you may be experiencing gastrointestinal bug Mauston your doctor might refer you to a gastroenterologistmake sure you do not have any blood loss coming from your gastrointestinal tract.

thank you again for sharing your question.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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What Does This Ferritin Level Indicate?

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. From the laboratory values you have shared it does appear that you have iron deficiency anemia. It is important for your doctor to determine why your hemoglobin is low. In a female of your age the most common cause of this is menstruation and blood loss related to menstrual period. if this is attributed to menstrual blood loss then your doctor can give you iron supplementation intravenously to help restore your iron levels.your iron levels return to normal your hemoglobin will slowly improve. At this point your hemoglobin level is not life-threatening. Your doctor will closely follow your blood count as you begin iron supplementation. If there is any suspicion that you may be experiencing gastrointestinal bug Mauston your doctor might refer you to a gastroenterologistmake sure you do not have any blood loss coming from your gastrointestinal tract. thank you again for sharing your question. Sincerely, Dr. Galamaga