Myths vs facts: Ferritin and Wechseljahre

Ferritin is an iron-storage protein whose blood levels change around menopause. A common myth is that high ferritin during menopause is always dangerous. In reality, ferritin rises physiologically after menopause because menstrual blood loss stops. A moderate increase is normal and not necessarily pathological. Another myth: low ferritin is harmless in menopause. However, iron deficiency can still cause fatigue, brain fog, or restless legs syndrome even after menopause. The fact is: ferritin must be interpreted together with inflammation markers (CRP) and transferrin saturation, because ferritin is an acute-phase protein that rises with inflammation. An isolated high ferritin with normal CRP may suggest hemochromatosis, a rare but treatable condition. Evidence is moderate: population-based studies exist, but no large RCTs recommend routine ferritin screening in menopause. Caveat: direct-to-consumer ferritin tests are not a substitute for medical evaluation. Abnormal results should be discussed with a physician.