What does it mean when ferritin levels are high?

Sep 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Feng

Introduction

High ferritin levels may be caused by factors such as the menstrual cycle, intense physical exercise, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or cirrhosis. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, maintain a balanced diet, exercise moderately, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress.

Generally, elevated ferritin levels may be caused by factors such as the menstrual cycle, intense physical exercise, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or cirrhosis. If any discomfort occurs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Menstrual Cycle

During the menstrual cycle, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can affect iron absorption and storage. Prior to menstruation, ferritin levels may rise in preparation for new blood cell production. This is a normal physiological phenomenon that does not require special treatment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ensuring adequate dietary iron intake are sufficient.

2. Intense Physical Exercise

During intense exercise, the muscles' demand for iron increases, and the inflammatory response induced by exercise may also lead to a temporary increase in ferritin levels. It is recommended to engage in moderate physical activity, avoid overtraining, and ensure sufficient rest and nutritional supplementation.

3. Hepatitis

Hepatitis is usually caused by viral infections, autoimmune abnormalities, excessive alcohol consumption, or fat accumulation in the liver. Inflammatory stimulation may lead to elevated ferritin levels, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue. Under medical supervision, medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, or bicyclol tablets may be used for treatment.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease may result from environmental, genetic, or infectious factors. Ferritin levels often rise during inflammatory states, and symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss may occur. Patients may be treated with medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, or azathioprine tablets, as advised by their physicians.

5. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is commonly caused by chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, long-term heavy alcohol use, or drug-induced liver injury. Impaired liver function affects iron metabolism and storage, potentially leading to abnormally high ferritin levels. Symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and ascites. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as Anluo Huaxian Pills, Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablets, or Fuzheng Huayu Capsules for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, follow healthy lifestyle habits, and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress.

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