For about a month and a half, I've been under the impression that my iron level is low. I had been noticing a lot more hair in the drain when I washed my hair, and much more hair in my hairbrush, so I went to my PCP to have an iron test. A different doc in the practice read the results, and said that my iron level was fine.

I still went to the dermatologist because I was concerned. She had the doctors office fax a copy of the results, and said that my iron level was kinda low - 17. For healthy hair, it should be around 50. Now, apparently, it turns out that she should have said "ferretin level", not "iron level". I just had my iron checked yesterday, and my FERRETIN is 20 (normal 12-150) and IRON is 133 (normal 37-170).

So, my ferretin level is still clearly low, but my iron seems okay. Is there anyone who knows anything about the differences between these two numbers? I understand that the ferretin is a protein that STORES iron... but am just curious to see if anyone can explain anything else.

Thank you