Diagnostics

The first stage of diagnostics includes the anamnesis, in which typical symptoms can be asked for by the doctor. Frequently, the attending physician can already make assumptions about the causes of the increased ferritin concentration after the anamnesis. A blood sample is then taken so that the blood values can be examined in the laboratory.

The most important value here is ferritin. If this is above the age- and gender-specific norm, the ferritin is too high. In addition, other values related to the storage of iron in the body are determined. These include the iron itself, the haemoglobin value (red blood pigment), the number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and transferrin (iron transport protein).

Ferritin high, but iron low?

There are rather few causes for increased ferritin in combination with decreased iron. The most common cause is anemia, which is rather rare in our latitudes. Anemia is the presence of too few erythrocytes and hemoglobin, which is usually due to low iron levels.

In most anemias, the ferritin value is also lower due to the iron deficiency. On the other hand, there are also typical representatives of anemias, which are associated with an increased ferritin level. These include thalassemia and microcytosis (Mediterranean anemia).

These symptoms indicate increased ferritin levels

The symptoms of elevated ferritin are very much dependent on the diseases underlying the high ferritin level.Iron storage diseases can lead to diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver and diabetes. Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by a liver dysfunction in which initially a performance weakness and concentration difficulties are noticeable, later on an icterus (yellowing of the skin), water retention (edema) and skin changes may occur. At the beginning, diabetes usually manifests itself through an increased thirst and an increased urge to urinate.

In this disease, too, symptoms such as fatigue and reduced performance often appear first. The iron storage diseases can also manifest themselves in the form of joint pain. An increased ferritin level generally indicates increased fatigue.

In addition, stomach and abdominal pain may occur, and occasionally the skin may turn dark. Some affected persons also suffer from intermittent tachycardia, and occasionally a loss of libido (loss of sexual instincts) occurs. Diseases such as hemochromatosis can cause severe organ damage over time, and here too it is mainly the liver that is affected. In addition, the risk of liver cell cancer is significantly increased by the disease.