Serum ferritin in women of reproductive age

Summary. Serum ferritin, measured by radioimmunoassay, was studied in a population of 154 women of reproductive age and during a menstrual cycle in a group of 22 women. Serum ferritin concentrations ranged from 4.7 to 169 μg/1 (median 21.3 μg/1). Recent childbirth was associated with low serum ferritin values, whereas oestrogen/progestogen oral contraception and normal menstruation appeared to have little effect. In the absence of iron supplements, it appears to take up to 2 years after pregnancy before pre‐pregnancy serum ferritin values are regained.