Is Ferritin useful for menopause?

Ferritin is a key biomarker for iron stores. During menopause, iron metabolism shifts because menstruation stops, reducing iron loss and potentially leading to iron accumulation. Elevated ferritin may indicate iron overload, which is linked to oxidative stress and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant, rising with inflammation, so interpretation requires caution. Measuring ferritin can be useful to rule out iron overload before starting iron supplements, especially since many women assume they are iron-deficient due to fatigue. But the evidence for routine ferritin testing in menopause without specific symptoms or risk factors is moderate at best. Professional guidelines (e.g., from the American Society of Hematology) recommend targeted testing based on clinical suspicion. Caveat: high ferritin alone does not confirm iron overload; additional tests like transferrin saturation and serum iron are needed. In summary, ferritin is a useful tool in menopause but not a universal screening test. Its value depends on the clinical context.