'Ferritin face' explained as women with mysterious symptoms realise little-known condition is hiding in plain sight

Dark under-eye circles. Dull skin. Hair that suddenly seems to be shedding everywhere.

If this sounds familiar, you've probably come across the term 'ferritin face' while scrolling on TikTok. The viral trend suggests that changes in your complexion – from a grey or washed-out appearance to dark under-eye circles – could be outward signs of low ferritin, the protein that stores iron in the body.

While 'ferritin face' isn't a recognised medical term, experts say the trend has resonated for a reason: iron deficiency is incredibly common in women, and many experience symptoms long before they're diagnosed.

What is ferritin?

Iron deficiency is the world's most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anaemia. But the two aren't the same thing.

Iron deficiency means your body's iron stores, measured by a protein called ferritin, are running low. Anaemia develops later, when there isn't enough iron available to produce healthy red blood cells.

"Anemia is one of the consequences of iron deficiency," explains Dr Subramaniam Ramakrishnan, a consultant gastroenterologist. "If left uncorrected, iron deficiency results in a drop in haemoglobin which carries our blood to different organs."

You can be iron deficient without being anaemic, and many women are. A 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open estimated that around 34 percent of US women aged 18 to 49 have absolute iron deficiency.

Why are people talking about 'ferritin face'?

Women have been sharing their experiences on social media, linking low iron levels to noticeable changes in their appearance.

One woman wrote: "The difference in skin tone once u (sic) finally heal ur (sic) iron deficiency anemia is crazy. I was so pale at one point that people close to me started asking if I was okay and I didn't realize anything was wrong until my hair literally started falling out and I started fainting."

Others have discussed having iron infusions, a medical procedure in which liquid iron is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV drip.

"I had an iron infusion a week before my wedding and people thought I got a fake tan," one woman claimed.

Another commenter on TikTok shared: "Same! I was like omg I'm a whole different color!"

Women say they can see a difference in their appearance (Getty Stock Image)

Can low ferritin affect the way you look?

Experts say that while some physical changes can happen, they aren't unique to low ferritin and shouldn't be used to self-diagnose.

"Low iron/ iron deficiency without anaemia may not be recognised as the general appearance of people with this condition may not be different to their normal selves," explains Dr Ramakrishnan.

"Iron deficient anaemia on the other hand may result is a few changes to the appearance - for example people may look paler in general, the inside of the eyes may look less red than usual, and some people with severe deficiency can develop changes to their nails - curved/concave nails rather than their usual flat/convex appearance.

"Hair loss is a potential problem related to this condition. Some may notice frizzy hair, and reduced hair growth."

Women's health and hormone health expert Dr Shirin Lakhani tells Tyla: "Iron, stored as ferritin, is essential for oxygen transport via haemoglobin, meaning our oxygen levels can be impacted if our ferritin is low. It is also important for energy production, brain function and concentration, hormonal balance and even hair growth and skin health."

Why are women more likely to have low ferritin?

Women and people who menstruate are at higher risk of low ferritin at reproductive age for several reasons.

"Menstruating monthly, especially if you have heavy periods, can cause iron loss," Dr Lakhani says. "During pregnancy, you have an increased demand for iron for both the baby and placenta, which can cause iron or ferritin deficiency during this time. During postpartum recovery, you can experience low ferritin as well due to blood loss during childbirth. If you suffer from certain hormonal conditions such as menorrhagia, endometriosis or fibroids, you will have a higher chance of low ferritin levels."

Iron supplements may help - consider speaking to your GP (Getty Stock Image)

What are the symptoms of low ferritin?

According to Dr Lakhani, low ferritin can cause a range of symptoms before it progresses to anaemia.

"Physical symptoms include persistent fatigue (even with adequate sleep), shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, cold intolerance and pale, dry skin. Your hair may thin or shed and your nails get more brittle. You can experience poor concentration and brain fog, headaches, and low mood or irritability as well as restless legs, especially at night."

When should you see a doctor?

Dr Ramakrishnan says iron deficiency should never be ignored.

"If left undiagnosed or untreated, iron deficient anaemia can lead to breathlessness, heart failure, swelling of feet, and weight loss."

He advises seeing your GP if you notice blood in your urine or from your back passage, unusually heavy periods, unexplained fatigue, lethargy, brain fog, breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance or unusual appetite.

Can you boost your iron levels through diet?

Red meat is one of the richest dietary sources of iron. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified cereals and supplements may help.

"Always consult a qualified healthcare professional to ascertain cause," Dr Ramakrishnan explains. "Simply taking iron supplements may not be enough given the possible potentially serious conditions that can be missed."