Ferritin 5
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Quick answer
A ferritin of 5 (usually ng/mL or µg/L) is very low and strongly indicates depleted iron stores / iron deficiency. In many labs, ferritin below 15 supports iron deficiency, and values can be falsely higher during inflammation.
Next steps:
- Check or review a CBC: hemoglobin, MCV, RDW, plus transferrin saturation if needed.
- Identify the cause: heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, low dietary intake, blood donation, gastrointestinal bleeding, or impaired absorption.
- Discuss iron replacement and the cause with a clinician. Do not just treat indefinitely without finding why it is low, especially for men or postmenopausal women.
Seek prompt medical care if you have chest pain, shortness of breath at rest, fainting, black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe weakness.
Symptoms
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"Iron Deficiency"[MeSH Terms] AND symptoms
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iron deficiency symptoms ferritin low official patient information
With a ferritin of 5, symptoms can occur even if your hemoglobin is still normal. Common symptoms include:
- Tiredness, low energy, reduced exercise tolerance
- Weakness, dizziness, light-headedness, headaches
- Breathlessness or fast heartbeat, especially on exertion
- Poor concentration, “brain fog,” irritability
- Hair shedding/loss
- Pale skin
- Feeling cold, cold hands/feet
- Restless legs, particularly at night
- Craving ice, clay, or non-food substances (pica)
- Brittle or spoon-shaped nails, sore tongue or mouth-corner cracks if deficiency is more marked
Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and hair loss before it progresses to anemia. Goldman-Cecil Medicine International Edition, “Iron Deficiency,” lines 2859-2861. When anemia develops, dizziness, breathlessness, pallor, and fatigue are typical. Yamada’s Textbook of Gastroenterology, “Iron,” lines 2171-2174.
Seek urgent assessment for chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath at rest, a racing heartbeat at rest, black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, or very heavy bleeding.
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