Dark circles under the eyes are being framed as more than a cosmetic complaint as doctors respond to a social media trend calling the look ferritin face.

The term refers to the idea that dark under eye circles may sometimes be linked to low iron stores. Experts told Fox News Digital there is some truth to the trend, but they also stressed that important caveats apply.

Dr. Josef Hadeed, a plastic surgeon at Hadeed Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California, described ferritin as the body's iron storage vault. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside the body's cells and releases it when needed.

When ferritin drops, the body may struggle to make hemoglobin, the iron rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. Hadeed said low iron levels can affect skin elasticity, making tissue look thinner and less resilient.

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He also noted that when hemoglobin is low, skin can lose healthy color and appear pale. That can make the naturally darker tissue beneath the eyes more noticeable.

Doctors said dark under eye circles are not the only possible sign of low iron stores. Dane Thomas, a Texas based hematology and oncology physician associate who specializes in caring for patients with hematologic disorders and cancer, said symptoms may become more severe as ferritin decreases.

"The severity of these symptoms generally increases as ferritin decreases," Thomas told Fox News Digital.

Thomas listed low energy, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, fainting, brittle or thin nails, hair loss, cravings to chew ice and restless legs syndrome as possible signs. He also said some patients report changes in exercise tolerance and concentration.

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"Some patients also experience decreased exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating or shortness of breath with exertion," he said.

The American Society of Hematology also lists other possible symptoms, including pounding or whooshing in the ears, a sore or smooth tongue, rapid heartbeat, intolerance to cold and poor sleep. The article said ferritin face may also point to an underlying medical condition.

Those conditions can include chronic bleeding, gastrointestinal disorders or cancers, or malabsorption, according to hematological experts. Thomas said the rise in bariatric surgery has also been linked to more patients developing iron deficiency because of impaired iron absorption.

Certain over the counter acid suppressing medications may also contribute to low iron, including proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor blockers. Thomas said treating iron deficiency matters, but finding the reason it developed is just as important.

"Whenever possible, I work with my patients to determine why their iron deficiency developed so we can reduce the likelihood that it will recur," Thomas told Fox News Digital. "This often involves collaboration with gastroenterologists, gynecologists or other specialists to evaluate for sources of blood loss or malabsorption."

Other factors can also lower iron levels. The American Society of Hematologists cited pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding and frequent blood donation as possible contributors.

Vegetarians, vegans and people whose diets do not include iron rich foods may also be at risk, according to the same source. Experts said anyone who thinks they may have low ferritin should see a physician.

Hadeed warned against self treatment because the body has no easy way to get rid of excess iron. He said too much iron can affect the liver and heart.

A healthcare professional can check iron levels with a simple blood test. Further evaluation may include stool and urine tests to look for blood, along with endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach and colon.

Women may also undergo a gynecological evaluation, according to experts. Treatment for iron deficiency can include oral supplementation, while severe anemia may require intravenous iron or blood transfusions.

"The biggest drawback of oral iron is gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort and stomach upset," Thomas noted.

He said those side effects can often be reduced by taking iron every other day rather than daily, while still maintaining excellent absorption for many patients. He also recommends spacing iron apart from calcium supplements, dairy products and antacids, which can affect absorption.

The American Society of Hematology website also says a diet with iron rich foods can help. Examples include beef, pork, lamb, liver, chicken, turkey, duck, fish, shellfish, sardines, anchovies, leafy greens, legumes and iron enriched pastas, grains, rice and cereals.

Hadeed emphasized that ferritin face is reversible. Once iron stores are safely restored and hemoglobin levels rebound, he said the skin recovers its healthy capillary flush and dark under eye circles tend to fade over several months.