What to watch with Ferritin Eisenmangel and fertility?

When monitoring ferritin in the context of iron deficiency and fertility, caution is warranted. Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores, which can impair ovulation, endometrial receptivity, and early embryonic development. However, ferritin is an acute-phase reactant; inflammation can falsely elevate ferritin levels, masking true iron deficiency. Therefore, additional markers like soluble transferrin receptor or total iron-binding capacity should be assessed. Conversely, iron overload (hemochromatosis) also negatively affects fertility. The evidence for a direct causal link between isolated low ferritin and infertility is moderate, mostly from observational studies. Iron supplementation should be guided by a physician, as unsupervised intake may cause oxidative stress and worsen outcomes. In summary: ferritin alone is insufficient; a complete iron panel and inflammatory markers are needed. Evidence: human-moderate.