Ferritin and Hair Loss

[thyroida]

My Ferritin tested 17 but iron is over 100.  Can this cause hair loss?  I lost about 50% of my hair 9 mths ago and continute to shed excess hair.

If this can be the cause of the hair loss, what is the recommended treatment/dose for this level?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Low iron is an indicator of iron deficiency anemia and any low ferritin may be responsible for causing hair loss whether the iron levels are normal or low. But since you are mentioning that half of your hair have gone, so chronic telogen effluvium also needs to be ruled out. Chronic telogen effluvium is hair shedding lasting longer than 6 months. Treatment consists of medications like Minoxidil, surgical approach(hair transplantation) and improvement in diet.

My sincere advice is to consult a trichologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[thyroida]

Hello, thanks for your response.  Can Low Ferritin cause hair loss even though the IRON level is NORMAL?  The hair started thinning 8 mths ago; is there still possibility for regrowth if Ferritin levels are restored?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Your ferritin levels are low and this can cause hair loss. Try taking some iron supplements for some days and also eat a diet rich in iron. If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist and get the possibility of telogen effluvium ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.