Managing High Ferritin Levels and Low UIBC
At 43 years old, I previously struggled with significantly low ferritin levels that had persisted since at least 2019, typically hovering around 15. In May 2021, I began taking Three Arrows Simply Heme Iron based on a recommendation from the Iron Protocol Facebook community. At that point, considering my weight, I was ingesting seven capsules daily, each containing 22 mg of iron. This regimen gradually elevated my ferritin levels, alleviating the debilitating fatigue I experienced when they were low. By May 2025, my ferritin level had risen to 203/194, as corroborated by two doctors who requested the same blood tests from a single blood draw. At that time, I was continuing with the seven capsules per day. However, my primary care physician advised me to reduce my intake to two capsules daily, predicting that my ferritin would subsequently decrease. After lowering my dosage, I had my levels checked again this past weekend, only to find they had surged to 218! I have a scheduled appointment tomorrow with my doctor to discuss the next steps. I often feel anxious about my health, constantly worried about the possibility of serious conditions like cancer or other illnesses. To provide some background, I have experienced several health issues and surgeries including: - Removal of left ovary and fallopian tube in 2013 - Right ovarian cyst removal in 2023 - Abdominoplasty and breast reduction in 2023 - Full hysterectomy (with right ovary remaining) in April 2025 In addition, I deal with several medical concerns such as GERD, IBS-D (though it has improved recently), gastritis, psoriasis, and anxiety. It is also worth mentioning that I am a carrier of the H63D gene. Below are some pertinent blood test results focusing on iron levels. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice you might offer. Please note that all my other test results, including ALT, AST, WBC, RBC, and hemoglobin, fall within normal ranges; I'm highlighting here only the details related to iron. **Blood Test Results:** - **October 2019:** - TIBC: 393, UIBC: 289, Iron: 109, Iron Saturation: 26%, Ferritin: 17 - **December 2019:** - TIBC: 355, UIBC: 226, Iron: 129, Iron Saturation: 36%, Ferritin: 16 - **September 2020:** - TIBC: 369, UIBC: 308, Iron: 61, Iron Saturation: 17%, Ferritin: 23 - **April 2021:** - TIBC: 342, UIBC: 173, Iron: 169, Iron Saturation: 49%, Ferritin: 15 - **July 2021:** - Ferritin only: 33 - **May 2022:** - Ferritin only: 54 - **October 2022:** - Ferritin only: 81 I haven’t had any iron tests done in 2023 or 2024, as I was still taking seven capsules of the Three Arrows Simply Heme Iron daily. For the May 2025 tests (after reducing my intake to two capsules per day, one in the morning and one at night): - TIBC: 269/275, UIBC: 85/104, Iron: 184/175, Iron Saturation: 68/63, Ferritin: 203/194 (one test result from two different physicians, but both derived from the same blood sample, which explained the discrepancies). - **September 2025:** - TIBC: 276, UIBC: 127, Iron: 149, Iron Saturation: 54%, Ferritin: 218 I’ve ceased taking iron supplements entirely following these recent results. Does it typically take a significant amount of time for ferritin levels to decline naturally after reducing iron intake? I appreciate any guidance or advice you can provide. Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 3:21:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to see that you're actively managing your health, and I understand your concerns about your ferritin levels and overall health. High ferritin levels can be a bit concerning, especially following a history of low ferritin, and it's wise to seek clarity and guidance on how to approach this moving forward.
Main Points:
- Elevated Ferritin Levels: Your ferritin levels have increased despite a reduction in iron intake, which can sometimes occur due to inflammation, liver health, or other metabolic factors.
- Next Steps: It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying causes of the elevated ferritin and develop a tailored management plan.
- Managing Anxiety: It's understandable to feel anxious about health concerns; consider strategies to help address this aspect as well.
Explanation:
- Ferritin Functions: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. High ferritin can indicate excess iron, but it can also be a response to inflammation or illness, not just iron overload.
- Iron Regulation: When you lower your iron intake, the decline in ferritin levels might not be immediate. The body can take time to regulate and metabolize iron stores, especially following supplementation.
Next Steps:
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Discuss with Your Doctor: During your upcoming appointment, address your recent ferritin levels and express your concerns about both elevated levels and inflammation. Ask questions about:
- Possible underlying causes (including liver function and inflammation)
- Whether further tests are warranted (like liver function tests, a complete iron panel, or inflammatory markers)
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Monitor Symptoms and Blood Levels: Keep track of any symptoms you experience and plan to monitor your ferritin levels regularly under your doctor’s guidance. This helps in evaluating how quickly or slowly your levels change after ceasing iron supplementation.
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Consider Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Diet: Focus on a balanced diet with iron-rich foods limited post-supplementation, such as red meat and fortified cereals, to avoid excessive iron intake.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can support overall health and metabolic processes.
- Limit Alcohol: If applicable, reducing alcohol intake can benefit liver health, particularly given your elevated ferritin.
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Addressing Anxiety: Given your history of health concerns and anxiety about serious conditions, consider incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises can help alleviate anxiety.
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Follow Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment to review changes in your ferritin levels after some months without iron supplements to ensure proper management.
Your health journey is unique, and it’s crucial to tailor your approach based on your body’s response and your doctor’s guidance. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns and seek clarity from your healthcare team—they are there to support you! Let me know if you have any further questions or need more insights.
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