Iron · low result
What does a low Iron mean?
Short answer
Low serum iron usually means iron deficiency (with a low ferritin) or inflammation and chronic disease (with a normal or high ferritin), because inflammation locks iron away. A morning fasting sample matters — iron is lower in the afternoon and after menstruation. Ferritin, TIBC and transferrin saturation together tell the two apart.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Iron?
- Male, age 18+: 65.0 – 175 mcg/dL
- Female, age 18+: 50.0 – 170 mcg/dL
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Iron biomarker page.
What are the common causes of low Iron?
- Iron deficiency from blood loss, low intake or malabsorption
- Inflammation, infection or chronic disease (functional iron deficiency)
- Afternoon draw or recent menstruation
- Pregnancy
What symptoms go with low Iron?
- Fatigue, poor exercise tolerance, hair shedding, restless legs if deficient
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Ferritin and transferrin saturation
- CBC and CRP
- Identify the source of loss if truly deficient
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: CBC (Complete Blood Count) ($21.99), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
How do you recheck Iron?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline Anemia Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $74.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| Women's Health Panel | Panel · 8 tests | $129.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Comprehensive Anemia Workup | Panel · 8 tests | $169.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| Iron & TIBC | Test · 3 biomarkers | $25.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
Low iron but normal ferritin — am I iron deficient?
Not usually. That pattern points to inflammation or chronic disease holding iron in storage, or to sample timing. Ferritin is the stores marker.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.