Concerns About Elevated Ferritin Levels - Seeking Guidance Before My Doctor's Appointment Next Week
Hello everyone. I had some blood tests done on Saturday as part of a standard check-up, which I haven't done in several years. As a 35-year-old male, I reviewed my test results today and was alarmed to find that my ferritin level was 838 ug/L (the normal range is between 30 and 500). This discovery has left me quite anxious. Naturally, I made the mistake of searching online for information. In terms of my iron levels, they measured 34 umol/L (normal range is 8-35), indicating that I narrowly fell within the acceptable limits. My iron binding capacity was recorded at 52 umol/L (reference range 40-75), but my iron saturation index stood out at 0.65 (normal range is 0.12-0.60). Additionally, my Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) level was reported as 29 U/L, with the reference point being below 70. As someone prone to overthinking and stress, this situation has left me feeling quite uneasy. I am looking for some reassuring words to help calm my nerves. Recently, I successfully lost about 25 pounds, dropping from 190 pounds in September to 165 pounds this month. I believed I was making significant improvements to my health. I also have psoriasis, which has always caused some mild inflammation; however, since starting a topical treatment called Zoryve a year ago, my psoriasis has shown substantial improvement.
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 8:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
You've identified elevated ferritin levels, which can be concerning, but it's important to approach this with a calm mindset and understand that there are multiple factors at play.
Explanation:
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, and elevated levels can sometimes indicate conditions such as inflammation, liver disease, or iron overload. Your accompanying tests show that while your ferritin is high, your iron levels and saturation are at the upper end of normal. This can suggest that your body has enough iron available, but elevated ferritin might relate to other factors, potentially including the inflammation related to your psoriasis.
Next Steps:
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Stay Calm: Understand that elevated ferritin can have various causes, and it’s great that you have already scheduled a doctor's appointment for further discussion.
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Prepare for Your Appointment:
- Bring Your Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have about your ferritin levels and their implications.
- Consider Your Health History: Think about any other symptoms you might have experienced or changes related to your psoriasis or general health.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how you feel physically. If you notice any new symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, etc.), make note of these to discuss with your doctor.
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Lifestyle Habits:
- Continue Healthy Living: Since you’ve successfully lost weight, keep up with healthy eating and regular exercise as these can help manage stress and inflammation levels.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated and consider maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis: Refrain from overly searching online about potential conditions; this can cause unnecessary stress. Focus instead on discussing what you've learned with your doctor.
Remember, you are proactive by seeking medical evaluation, and addressing your health concerns early is an essential part of staying well. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further information!
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