Question 1

what causes iron levels to be too high?

Accepted Answer

Lots of reasons: Many acute infections raise iron-binding proteins in the blood briefly. Popping a few iron pills can do it. Hemochromatosis, anemia of chronic disease and a few others often do it as well. Remember reference ranges are set so that a few percent of healthies fall outside at either end. Always look at the big picture when considering labs.

Question 2

can high iron levels be caused by dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Depends on details: Dehydration has different meanings depending on one's perspective. Many non-dehydrated people say they are dehydrated, because equate being extra thirsty with being dehydrated. Iron levels are just numbers, several of them. They have little meaning unless a doctor sees the whole picture. That means there is no good answer here, without knowing many details of the case.

Question 3

what are the health risks of having high iron levels?

Accepted Answer

Liver; diabetes: Hemochromatosis, having too much iron, can cause liver problems and pancreas problems (= diabetes). Persons with hemochromatosis should see a hematologist and undergo regular phlebotomy (blood letting)

Question 4

are low iron levels and high bilirubin levels connected?

Accepted Answer

May be, may be not: Further evaluation is obviously needed. I can't say whether it is related or not without getting more information. In many cases- probably those two are not related. However in a case of colon cancer with metastatic disease to the liver- it  can cause both increase of bilirubin level as well as low iron.  Go to see your md and discuss further your condition.

Question 5

got blood results today and indicate high iron levels. is there anything i can do about it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but...: It depends on why you are having too much iron...You should find out the underlying disease...If it is very mild, may not need to do anything. Stop all supplements if u r taking.
Donate blood regularly will lower your iron level, if you need so--in such disease as hemochromatosis etc..
Young and healthy male may have  higher iron than average, females have a bit less due to monthly loss..

Question 6

is  a ferritin reading of 284  very high for a 58 year old woman who used to have low iron levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is high: It is high as normal ferritin level in women is 12to150ng/ml.Discuss the result along with hemoglobin, and iron level etc with your doctor.

Question 7

my iron is 16. what cause this? how can i treat it? and what is the health risk of high iron levels

Accepted Answer

Need more info: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. The value you provided, if it is your serum iron level, you are iron deficient and need to take iron supplements. Many menstruating women have iron deficiency due to blood loss during periods.

Question 8

what causes mildly elevated iron levels in 33 year old woman?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Having said that, it would have helped to have the actual results. Was it serum iron or ferritin and what was or were the values?
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 9

i have high blood iron levels. are there any adverse effects from this?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If your iron is too high you may have a condition called hemochromatosis which can have many consequences. You should talk to your doctor.

Question 10

is hemoglobin a good  indicator of iron levels if high orlow iron levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in general: If the iron level is low for long enough the hemoglobin will go down. So a normal hemoglobin level tells us that there is no significan iron deficiency...Yet you can have mild iron deficit yet have a normal hemoglobin. So it does not equate with iron levels exactly but more or less...So it is good, not a perfect substitute.

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Doctor answers about:

Slightly high iron levels

A member asked:

What causes iron levels to be too high?

A member asked:

Can high iron levels be caused by dehydration?

A member asked:

What are the health risks of having high iron levels?

A member asked:

Are low iron levels and high bilirubin levels connected?

A member asked:

Got blood results today and indicate high iron levels. is there anything i can do about it?

A member asked:

Is a ferritin reading of 284 very high for a 58 year old woman who used to have low iron levels?

A member asked:

My iron is 16. what cause this? how can i treat it? and what is the health risk of high iron levels

A member asked:

What causes mildly elevated iron levels in 33 year old woman?

A member asked:

I have high blood iron levels. are there any adverse effects from this?

A member asked:

Is hemoglobin a good indicator of iron levels if high orlow iron levels?

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