Slightly raised ferritin, any advice please

[Baggiesfan]

Iron 31.0 (5.8-34.5)TIBC 51.3 (45-81)

UIBC 20.6 (24.2-70.1)

Transferring saturation 60.6 (20-50)

Ferritin 203 (13-150)

Crp 4.15 (0-5)

Can I ask your advice please? As advised on here a few months ago I rechecked my iron levels in December, hoping to have some reason for continuing ectopic heartbeats. The results are about the same as 18 months ago, I was checked then for haemachromatosis by gp and told nothing wrong. That's great but I really would like to know why ferritin is still raised, I know it's inflammation but where and how, if at all, can I rectify it. I did have to repeat the test by medicheck as they initially only got iron result. I did give the new results to gp receptionist, asking if they could be noted, not just scanned into my notes but as usual all seems to have fell on deaf ears as nothing on my nhs results online. Cant find anything on Dr Google either.

Any suggestions anyone or just ignore it?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

higher ferritin is very common as we get older post menopause

only need worry if it get over 650……

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

We have received further information the lab about ferritin reference ranges. They confirm that they are sex dependent up to the age of 60, then beyond the age of 60 the reference range is the same for both sexes: 

Males 16-60: 30-400 ug/L

Female's: 16-60: 30-150

Both >60: 30-650 

The lower limit of 30 ug/L is in accordance with the updated NICE guidance and the upper limits are in accordance with guidance from the Association of Clinical Biochemists. ‘

[Baggiesfan in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for quick reply, I'm way off that thankfully. Wonder why medichecks didn't note the different ranges as they are aware of my age? Oh well, there's another waste of my money. I give up, think I'm destined to stay unwell, endo appt on 16th wonder what help and knowledge she'll give me this time? Expect nothing and that's probably what I'll get.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Baggiesfan]

This info is relatively new from Medichecks

My ferritin been high for about 8 years

My GP does check iron not high every 2-3 years

[Baggiesfan in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks but even if new from Medichecks, I only did test on 14th December so it should have been up to date. Never mind, no chance of my doctors checking every few years, don't think I've seen the same one twice in that time.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Baggiesfan]

Wonder why medichecks didn't note the different ranges as they are aware of my age?

Because those ranges are only used with the new lab they have recently started to use - INUVI. If it goes to Eurofins County Pathology they have their own ranges and for ferritin it's generally 13-150. Your results look like the test was processed at Eurofins CP so that range is relevant, not the INUVI range.

[Baggiesfan in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for replying, that makes sense x

[Roulette26 in reply to SlowDragon]

thanks slow dragon, I’ve high ferritin , initially when I saw a GP, many moons ago, she checked for haemachromatosis , negative. I was being followed up then it all fizzled out. Finally got a very terse message via receptionist that 245 was normal. I did read that up to 300 was ok , given my age. Now I’ve got your new range I can stop stressing about one more thing!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Baggiesfan

I really would like to know why ferritin is still raised, I know it's inflammation but where and how, if at all, can I rectify it.

Unfortunately the inflammation marker tests can tell us when inflammation is there but it can't tell us what's caused it.

Do you have any other medical conditions? I have lung disease and my CRP is never really low.

[Baggiesfan in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you, yes, asthma and also recently diagnosed with arthritis in my thumbs so that's probably it. Everything seems so complicated since my thyroid is "off", I never used to worry about my health, I was so fit and healthy, payback time now.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Baggiesfan]

I think your answer is there then

[Hylda2]

My daughter was recently diagnosed with hereditary haemochromatosis so naturally I asked for ferritin and saturation test. Ferritin 250 but nobody bothered!!

[gabkad]

You can get a DNA test for haemochromatosis. I'm in Canada where haemochromatosis is the most common genetic 'disease'. I paid for the test privately. I have one gene but even so, my ferritin was above range. I donated blood 9 times and brought it down. My endo was getting on my case because my hemoglobin tends to be extremely high for a female. 160 -162. Blood donation brought that down temporarily as well but it would pop right back up. High hemoglobin is not a problem but over range ferritin isn't healthy. For women 'too high' is a much lower number than it is for men.

Your GP can't just fob it off. I don't know how old you are but it is true that post menopause is when haemochromatosis can become problematic.

[Baggiesfan in reply to gabkad]

Thank you, I'm 66 now, as slow dragon said the range is higher for over 60's which is reassuring. I was tested 18 months ago for haemachromatosis, negative. Not much point testing genetics as will make no difference to my care here in UK. I can no longer donate blood as I'm on rivaroxaban.