This post is going to be a little long but be sure to read it right till the end, it sure is going to be a lot helpful.
Firstly, to begin with, iron deficiency over a period of time leads to low ferritin levels. This def could be due to suboptimal diet or malabsorption. The former can be easily be corrected through perseverance and mind over matter. If you have iron deficiency, you're most likely going to have a lot of other def as well and some of these need to be addressed quickly.
Signs of low ferritin levels- fatigue, depression, hair fall, pallor to name a few. It affects the overall health and immunity as well.
The normal ferritin levels are stated as between 10 and 300microg/dl. But, for restoration of your good health you need these levels atleast over 150.
So, here's the treatment I have seen work wonders by God's grace.
I used ferrous ascorbate containing 100mg of elemental iron in each tablet, 3 times a day for over 4 months with gradually reducing the dose to about 100mg a day in the fourth month. You have to apply the dosage according to your body weight. If you take a lot more than required, you'd have iron toxicity which will worsen the whole condition. Ideally, 2-5mg of iron per kg body weight per day should be your maximum dose. Do not exceed this dose ever. Take Vitamin C tablets along with this to increase absorption. This should be taken in between meals or else the food you eat especially caffeine, calcium and milk interferes and decreases it's absorption. Most importantly, consult your doctor for this. Other forms of iron preparations cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, gastritis, etc. I haven't had any of these with ferrous ascorbate.
You need to monitor your ferritin levels every 2 months to keep an eye on toxicity.
Apart from this iron therapy, you need to improve your diet. Include vegetables(green leafy especially), fruits, red meat, milk,eggs(basically a lot of protein), dry fruits, adequate carbohydrates for best recovery. Water is a boon, remember that.
Vitamin D def also causes hair loss and lowers immunity. Get your Vit D levels checked and consult your doctor to have them restored to a mid level in the optimal range.
Take a multivitamin (especially calcium but don't take iron and calcium together; they inhibit each other's absorption)everyday for a month or two to correct other deficiencies because most times, iron def does not occur as an isolated def if you've had a poor diet for a long time.
Mild to moderate(not strenuous) exercise daily mainly walking for 10 to 20 minutes improves your blood circulation, mood and overall health.
For best results, you have to develop a positive attitude. It's really hard to do this, but you need to consciously make efforts. Your body more readily accepts healing when you're positive. Have faith in God. Have patience and perseverance. You will make it.
Do not massage your hair vigorously while you have low ferritin levels. This leads to more hair loss. Be extremely gentle with your hair. Avoid styling and tight hair ties.
P.S. I don't make absolute recommendation for the above dosages and medication for everyone. I have shared what worked for me. This is mainly for isolated multi-nutrient deficiencies. If you have any co-morbidities, you have to consult a doctor or specialist.