Myths vs facts: Ferritin and Fruchtbarkeit

Ferritin is the iron storage protein and a key marker of iron status. A common myth is that high ferritin is always beneficial for fertility – in reality, both low and high ferritin can impair fertility. Iron deficiency (low ferritin) may cause anovulation, poor egg quality, and menstrual irregularities. Elevated ferritin, on the other hand, may indicate hemochromatosis (iron overload), which is linked to oxidative stress, endometriosis, and reduced sperm quality. Additionally, ferritin is an acute-phase reactant; inflammation can falsely elevate levels. A ferritin test alone is insufficient – a full iron panel (serum iron, transferrin saturation, TIBC) and medical evaluation are needed. MyBody-X tests can measure ferritin, but interpretation should always be done by a doctor. The evidence for a direct ferritin–fertility link is moderate, based on observational studies.