Elevated Ferritin and High Levels of Vitamin D 1,25 Dihydroxy
I am presently experiencing elevated levels of ferritin and vitamin D 1,25 dihydroxy. I am a 39-year-old woman weighing 135 lbs. Back in January, I visited the emergency room, believing I was on the verge of a stroke; fortunately, it turned out to be an aura migraine. Since that incident, I have been suffering from a variety of symptoms, including persistent dizziness, vision problems, chronic fatigue, and stomach issues, leaving me feeling quite unwell overall. During my evaluations, a 1.1 cm ovoid signal abnormality was discovered in the right prefrontal white matter, which showed slight enhancement. To date, I’ve undergone four MRIs, and there have been no changes in the size or shape of this abnormality. However, during my most recent consultation, my doctor expressed confusion regarding it, suspecting that it might have some blood flow associated. I have also been tested for Multiple Sclerosis, and the results were negative. In August of last year, my blood tests indicated elevated ferritin and vitamin D 1,25 dihydroxy levels. When I requested a retest, I was informed this May that both levels remained high, with ferritin showing an increase compared to the previous results. My neurologist advised me to consult my primary care physician, who suggested that I cease taking vitamin D supplements (which I have never used) and to begin taking over-the-counter iron supplements. I am quite concerned that this guidance may be misguided. What are your thoughts on this situation?
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 12:11:29 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with multiple complex health issues, and I want to acknowledge how concerning this must be for you. Elevated ferritin and vitamin D 1,25 dihydroxy levels can be indicative of underlying health issues that need careful management, especially when associated symptoms are making you feel unwell.
Main Points:
- Elevated Ferritin: This can indicate inflammation, liver disease, or iron overload, among other things.
- High Vitamin D 1,25 Dihydroxy: This form of vitamin D can be affected by various factors, including kidney function.
- Symptoms and MRI Findings: Dizziness, vision problems, and chronic fatigue should not be overlooked, especially given the MRI findings.
Explanation
- Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. High levels could indicate that your body has more iron than it needs or may signal inflammation or other medical conditions. It's crucial to determine why your ferritin is elevated to avoid complications related to iron overload.
- Vitamin D 1,25 dihydroxy is the active form of vitamin D, important for calcium metabolism and bone health. Elevated levels can occur due to dietary intake, supplements, certain health conditions (e.g., granulomatous diseases), or kidney issues.
- Symptoms such as dizziness and chronic fatigue can stem from various causes, including neurological issues, anemia, or a reaction to changes in iron and vitamin D levels.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting their frequency and severity, which can help identify triggers or patterns.
- Consult a Specialist: Given your complex history and elevated lab values, consider requesting a referral to a hematologist (for ferritin) and an endocrinologist (for vitamin D metabolism). This could provide more specialized insights.
- Review Supplements and Diet: Although you mentioned you do not take vitamin D supplements, discuss with your healthcare provider the possible sources of vitamin D in your diet. Cease any additional iron supplementation unless prescribed, as this could further elevate ferritin levels.
- Regular Blood Tests: Suggest regular follow-ups for blood tests to monitor ferritin and vitamin D levels, especially since your levels have varied.
- Discuss MRI Findings: Request an appointment with your neurologist to explore the implications of the prefrontal white matter abnormality further, ensuring you fully understand what it might mean for your health.
It’s understandable to feel anxious about these findings and your symptoms, but with careful monitoring and the right consultations, you can work towards identifying the underlying causes and finding effective management strategies. Stay proactive in seeking clarity from your healthcare providers.
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