Ferritin...way too high ?

[newbie1956]

My iron levels have been low for many months but now in range.

But ferritin is 574... i'm 80 yr female, stage 3a.

[RickHow]

As you seem to already know high ferritin levels usually occur due to high iron levels. It is generally because your body is storing too much iron. But you report your iron levels are normal. A ferritin level of over 500 is extremely high. BUT different laboratories report different ranges of normal. On your blood test result it should indicate what they consider to be a normal range and so you can see how high above normal yours is. Very generally speaking for a female anything over 200 is considered high.There are other things, less common than high iron levels, that cause high ferritin levels.

It can be enzymes in the liver that are not normal, arthritis that is currently in some part of the body causing inflammation (which can be treated with pills), or your thyroid is off normal levels (also treatable with pills). No need to panic but certainly you should go to your doctor who can easily test your liver, thyroid with simply blood tests and you can discuss with him/her if you have inflammation that is bothering you.

CKD CAN and OFTEN does cause high Ferritin levels. This is because it can cause inflammation in the body. It is also more common in patients who have CDK with protein in urine. Generally speaking it is NOT that common for stage 3a, but usually in late 3b, 4, etc.

Go talk to your doctor about these things.

[newbie1956 in reply to RickHow]

Thank you RickHow. Very helpful. I saw my nephrologist yesterday and he will likely be checking everything soon.

[Darlenia]

Postmenopausal women normally have higher ferritin levels (since we no longer bleed monthly) than those who haven't entered that stage of life. Mine are flagged as being quite elevated, too, probably for that reason. My personal physician is unconcerned, indicating my outcomes are acceptable for my stage of life. However, yours are considerably higher than mine. (I'm a decade younger than you and don't have CKD.) I'd check in with your physician and have him/her review your labs. There are medications that can be prescribed to lower it depending on what your doctor thinks is driving it. It would be well worth investigating in my opinion. May you be successful in getting clarification.

[newbie1956 in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks Darlenia. Makes sense. I really appreciate your input.