If low ferritin is not treated, iron stores may continue to decline over time and the situation can progress into iron deficiency anemia. Early on, symptoms may include mild fatigue, hair loss, or reduced concentration. Later, shortness of breath, marked weakness, palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, and impaired daily function may develop. In addition, if the underlying cause is something like hidden blood loss or malabsorption, the larger problem may also remain undetected. That is why low ferritin should not be dismissed as a minor lab abnormality. Not every case is an emergency, but when left untreated, it can reduce quality of life and set the stage for more significant hematologic issues.