When Should I Start Therapeutic Phlebotomy for Hemochromatosis or High Ferritin?

If you’ve been told you have high ferritin levels or received a diagnosis of hemochromatosis, you are not alone. Many people find themselves navigating these lab results without much explanation or guidance. This article will help you understand what high ferritin really means, when to begin therapeutic phlebotomy, and what it could mean for your health, even if you are not showing any symptoms yet.

At OptiVena Mobile Phlebotomy, we’ve helped many clients across Queen Creek and the East Valley of Arizona better understand their condition and take proactive steps toward better health, all from the comfort of home.

Understanding Iron, Ferritin, and Transferrin Saturation

Bloodwork results can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re told one number is high while the others are “normal.” Let’s break down what each of these lab values means and what can cause them to be elevated.

🔹 Iron

This is the amount of iron actively circulating in your bloodstream. It is the iron available for your body to use right now, mainly for making red blood cells and transporting oxygen.

• A recent iron-rich meal or supplement
• Genetic hemochromatosis (especially in later stages)
• Liver disease or damage
• Hemolytic anemia
• Repeated blood transfusions

Note: Iron levels can fluctuate throughout the day. A single high result may not mean chronic iron overload. It should be reviewed in context with other markers.

🔹 Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Think of it as your body’s iron savings account. When ferritin is elevated, it usually means excess iron storage, though it can rise for other reasons as well.

• Hereditary hemochromatosis
• Chronic inflammation
• Liver conditions such as fatty liver disease
• Obesity
• Infections
• Alcohol use
• Some cancers

🔹 Transferrin Saturation (TSAT)

This value measures how much of your transferrin (a protein that transports iron in the blood) is currently carrying iron. It reflects how much iron is actively circulating and available.

• Hereditary hemochromatosis
• Iron supplementation
• Iron-loading anemias
• Liver dysfunction
• Repeated blood transfusions

So, What Does It All Mean?

• Only iron is high: Possibly food- or supplement-related.
• Only ferritin is high: Often linked to inflammation or liver issues.
• Only TSAT is high: May indicate early iron overload.

When two or more markers are elevated, particularly ferritin and TSAT together, it’s often a sign of iron overload and a reason to consider therapeutic phlebotomy.

Learn more about our therapeutic phlebotomy services here.

Possible Symptoms of Iron Overload

• Chronic fatigue
• Joint pain, especially in the hands
• Abdominal discomfort
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Skin bronzing or discoloration
• Unexplained weight loss
• Low libido or erectile dysfunction
• Elevated blood sugar or diabetes
• Liver dysfunction or cirrhosis

When to Start Therapeutic Phlebotomy

Even without symptoms, treating iron overload early can prevent long-term complications.

• Ferritin above 300 ng/mL in men or 200 ng/mL in women
• TSAT consistently over 45 percent

These recommendations are supported by the American Family Physician and the European Association for the Study of the Liver.

What to Expect from Therapeutic Phlebotomy

Therapeutic phlebotomy is a safe, effective procedure similar to donating blood. It is designed to reduce iron levels in the body and protect organs from damage.

1. Induction Phase: Frequent blood draws (weekly or biweekly) until ferritin drops below 50 ng/mL.
2. Maintenance Phase: Ongoing phlebotomy every few months to maintain target levels.

How OptiVena Can Help

OptiVena Mobile Phlebotomy offers in-home therapeutic phlebotomy for residents of Queen Creek and surrounding East Valley areas. We prioritize convenience, comfort, and care, especially for clients managing chronic conditions.

• Licensed in-home phlebotomy with a valid physician's order
• Friendly, professional staff who come to you
• Timely communication with your healthcare provider
• Flexible scheduling options

Our services are self-pay, and we provide affordable rates without the hassle of dealing with insurance or worrying about hidden costs. Our pricing is clear and transparent, with no surprise bills.

Note: A physician’s order is required for all therapeutic phlebotomy services. If you are unsure what to ask your doctor for, we are happy to guide you through it.

This service is ideal for clients managing hereditary hemochromatosis, iron overload, or elevated ferritin levels without a formal diagnosis yet.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been told your ferritin or iron saturation is high, now is the time to act. Early treatment can help you avoid serious complications down the road. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or just trying to stay ahead of your health, we are here to help.

We make it easy to take care of your health, one blood draw at a time.