I found this study really interesting as it cites low iron stores as a possible contributing cause of women’s hair loss. I know one of the first things that usually gets tested when a woman complains of hair loss is the iron levels. Of course there is such a huge range of what is considered normal its hard to tell the optimal level for our body.
Here it is:
European Journal of Dermatology. Volume 17, Number 6, 507-12, November-December 2007, Investigative report
*Abstract
Author(s) : Claire Deloche, Philippe Bastien, Stéphanie Chadoutaud, Pilar Galan, Sandrine Bertrais, Serge Hercberg, Olivier de Lacharrière
Summary : Iron deficiency has been suspected to represent one of the possible causes of excessive hair loss in women. The aim of our study was to assess this relationship in a very large population of 5110 women aged between 35 and 60 years. Hair loss was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire sent to all volunteers. The iron status was assessed by a serum ferritin assay carried out in each volunteer. Multivariate analysis allowed us to identify three categories: “absence of hair loss” (43%), “moderate hair loss” (48%) and “excessive hair loss” (9%). Among the women affected by excessive hair loss, a larger proportion of women (59%) had low iron stores (<\; 40 µg/L) compared to the remainder of the population (48%). Analysis of variance and logistic regression show that a low iron store represents a risk factor for hair loss in non-menopausal women.
The article is broken down into the following areas
Introduction
Materials and Methods
- Volunteers
- Hair Loss Assessment
- Biochemical Measurements
- Statistical Analysis
Results
- Hair Loss Quantification
- Link Between Hair Loss And Serum Ferritin Levels
Discussion
This study, carried out for the first time on a very large cohort of women, provides strong arguments in favor of an association between depleted iron stores and hair loss, particularly excessive hair loss in women before menopause. It is likely that women classified in the present study under “excessive hair loss” were mainly women with androgenetic alopecia [17], however considering their large number, women with CTE [3] might also be included. Since serum ferritin measurement has been reported to be the most sensitive assay for estimating the iron status in an adult population [24], we used this assay to verify a possible link between iron status and hair loss. […]
Technorati Tags: androgenetic alopecia, ferritin level, hair loss, hair shedding, iron
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:07 pm
I think low iron may be contributing to my hair loss. When I had my ferritin level checked several years ago, it came up in the “normal” range, but I think it was 40, whereas I read you need it to be 70 to keep your hair from falling out. The doctor told me I could take Slow FE iron pills. They never seemed to help. I haven’t figured out if there are other types of iron I should be taking instead.
I don’t like meat, and I’ve read that the iron in meat is the best type of iron for raising your ferritin levels. Then I’ve also read that some women may get enough iron, but their bodies won’t store the iron, so that could be the problem.
I’m still confused about the iron issue and how to resolve it.
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:25 pm
My ferritin level was 20 when I had mine checked! That is at the very low end of the normal range (20-200) and my derm said that because all of the other iron levels were in the middle of the normal ranges, the ferritin level wasn’t of any concern. I’m not sure if I completely agree with that, but I’m trying to eat red meat once a week and am eating more food with iron in it.
October 22nd, 2007 at 3:34 pm
I have low ferritin as well…it was 16.5. I am taking slow-release iron and have started eating lean red meat again (I quit eating red meat for about 10 years!!). Spinach is a good veggie to eat for iron too and throw on some tomatoes for vitamin C. But I think iron is better absorbed by your body from meat than plants. If you are taking iron supplements make sure you don’t take it with calcium, magnesium, copper, or zinc because it competes for absorption. Try to take your iron with vitamin C because it improves absorption.
Make sure you need to supplement with iron (i.e. doctors recommendation/orders) before you do because too much iron can cause serious health problems…and I probably hair loss too!! Go figure!
October 24th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Hi,
It seems my energy levels have gone up, I don’t feel as tired since I started taking my iron with vit. C. I mean I can feel a difference!! I tested my theory a couple of days by taking it when I was feeling a little weary… it worked both times!! It could be a mental thing but I’m going to continue to take it because I was on the low range also in the 20’s doctor said that was “normal” my girl friend said we should be at 70 for healthy hair… I dunno…just seemed low to me… so I’m taking it…couldn’t hurt until the levels get to high. I have a long way to go at 20 …
October 24th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
I just found this web site while research a supplement I just purchased L-Lysine Plus:
Web Site : http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/hairloss for full article
One area that seems clear is that iron deficiency (a low serum ferritin without anemia) is linked to hair loss in women. In one study, 72% of women with low iron stores (a serum ferritin less than 40 mcg/l) had reduced hair density.
The amino acid L-lysine plays a part in the absorption of iron and zinc. Among plant foods, L-lysine is only found in high amounts in legumes, and a vegan who doesn’t eat many legumes could find themselves falling short on lysine. In some women, iron supplementation does not lead to an increase in iron stores. But in one study, adding L-lysine (at 1.5 - 2 g/day for 6 months) to iron supplementation in such women did increase iron stores and decreased hair loss by one half.
Dr. Rushton noted the following odds and ends:
In a multivitamin, if the level of zinc is equal to the level of iron, then iron uptake is significantly decreased. A ratio of 3 to 1, iron to zinc, is desirable to prevent competitive interference.
Excessive vitamin E supplementation (for example, 600 IU per day for 1 month) can adversely affect hair growth. In patients with hair loss who show high levels of folic acid (also known as folate), excessive folic acid supplementation should probably be discontinued.
Reducing the frequency of shampooing does not help preserve hair and can increase the fear of hair loss because a higher amount of hair will be lost all at once when it is washed.
FYI - I am so on to the iron thing… my doctors totally blew right over this one! - JJ
October 25th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Wow, that is very interesting! I think my ferritin level at 20 is definitely an issue. My sister went to school for nutrition and she says that taking an iron supplement isn’t very harmful. She told me our bodies only absorb what it needs and basically you pee out the rest! Since I’m at a 20, I think increasing iron is important. Thanks for sharing this information!
December 19th, 2007 at 11:28 am
I just got my ferritin levels back and I’m at 45. I am no longer a vegetarian (as of Thanksgiving, bc I am convinced the iron has somthing to do with my hair being so fragile).
Gretchen, how is the eating red meat once a week thing going? Any improvements?
January 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I started suffering from Telogen Effluvium at 21. Each year’s hair loss would vary but the shedding was consistent and distressing. No doctor or specialist I saw could offer a solution until I turned 32 and was finally diagnosed as hypothyroid with a TSH of 7.9. I was put on levothyroxin and the hair loss increased. Instead of switching my meds, they increased my dose. I asked for Cytomel after doing my own research. The Cytomel helped some symptoms but not the hair loss.
Recently, now at 34, I read the article on iron stores needing to be around 70 for shedding to stop. By the time I went to my dermatologist to ask for the serum ferritin test I had a one inch part and could hear people making comments on my hair. I would even stay home if I didn’t absolutely have to go out.
My iron stores came back at 41 and the doctor dismissed it as normal.
I took matters into my own hands and stopped the thyroid meds and started taking iron. My hair loss has almost stopped!!! I just take a brand from the local drug store. I will be meeting with a naturopath in February about my thyroid but even with a TSH of 10.8 the iron is helping the hair loss.
January 15th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Does anyone know if taking B vitamins with iron helps?
January 16th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I read somewhere that if your serum ferritin is 40 or under, you will lose hair, but that it has to be over 70 in order to regrow hair. I’ve been taking iron supplements for 9 months, and my serum ferritin has gone from 10 (yeah, crazy low!) to 33. I’ve doubled the dose, so I’m now taking 100 mg daily. Hopefully I’ll see a change.
I have heard that high amounts of iron can cause iron toxicity, but I’ve seen medical websites touting 100-200 mg/day as a therapeutic dose, so I figure I’m still okay.
What a trip this hair loss is. As someone who has always had thin hair and an *extremely* high forehead (as in, people constantly remark on it), losing so much hair in front has been a real killer, especially when it’s all nice and thick-as-it-used-to-be in the back.
I’m trying hard not to obsess, because I worry that what I think about I will bring about, but it’s hard. My little girl said, “Mama, I can see your head,” and I was so sad.
January 17th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Lori, that’s great to hear! I recently was prescribed with an iron supplement because my ferritin level is at 20. I was told I need to get it to at least a 40. I’m taking 150mg a day right now. I’m hoping that the iron will help. I’m also taking Spiro because I have underlying androgenic alopecia. Your post made me very hopeful, so thank you!
January 17th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Hi girls,
My ferritin is at 45 and I can see little baby hairs but not very many of them. I want to try and get my levels above 70 to see if that does anything. I just starting taking an iron supplement on Monday (200mg) and it did NOT make me feel very well stoamch-wise. I’m going to see if I can break my tablets in half and take only 100mg.
Gretchen: how did you find out you have underlying androgenic alopecia? I am still unsure if my hair loss is hormonal, iron, or genetic.
Lori: does the doctor think your hairloss is related to your iron levels? and did you notice post-pardum shedding? i got off the pill which almost mimics post pardum hormone levels and i noticed major shedding; however, i was a vegetarian for 10 years as well so i was thinking it might have been the low iron the hormones but now i am not sure if it is a bigger issue like genetics.
January 17th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Hi Nicole, I have similar experience with you with the thyroid medication. I’ve been on synthroid for quite some time now, but the last two years my doctor up’d my dosage based on my annual blood work, each year it got progressively worse until this year I finally couldn’t take it anymore. I suspected the increase in thyroid had been causing the super excessive hair loss far beyond my regular androgenetic alopecia. i consulted with another thyroid doctor who confirmed my suspicions, that the possibility exists that synthroid can in itself cause hair loss and increasing dosage could exacerbate it. I couldn’t bring myself to get off completely so I had my dosage lowered back down to 88mcg which was my starting dose years ago where it seemed fine.
Good for you for taking charge of your own health, that is awesome! Doctors don’t know everything, you have to make the choices you feel comfortable with and if your doctor doesn’t listen, find somebody who will.
Thank you for sharing that information about the thyroid and the success you’ve had with iron, I know other women are in the same situation.
~Y
January 18th, 2008 at 9:09 am
I can’t tell you how glad I am to have found this site! Just knowing I can hear from people who have the same issues is fabulous.
Angela: I have been taking “Gentle Iron” by Solgar, which is iron bisglycinate and is supposedly more gentle on the stomach.
My doctor did say she thinks the low ferritin levels are part of the problem. Her take on it - which I find pretty cavalier - is, “The two most common causes of hair loss are anemia and hypothyroidism. You have both, and you are now being treated for both, so we’ll just wait and see.”
January 18th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Oh - I forgot to add about the postpartum hair loss.
I had gorgeous hair when I was pregnant. I was so thrilled by the way it was growing that I didn’t cut it, and it grew halfway down my back.
When my daughter was a few months old, it started shedding. I think it’s especially bad when LONG hair falls out! The sheer volume of it completely freaked me out. I cut it short pretty soon after.
One more weird thing: ever since that time, any hair that does grow in is wavy/frizzy. I used to have straight hair! Hormones…
January 19th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Pls be careful with iron, especially if your post menopausal- it creates heart problems. Be sensible with it- My hair has thinned out alot and want to try taking more iron, but wont. I’ll just get it from better sources
January 20th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Hi Lori, I have heard that hair can grow back in a completely different texture after it’s fallen out, I’ve most often read it in stories written by women who lost their hair from cancer and then it grew back in straight when it was one curly or vice versa. Heck I don’t care if mine grows back in green, pink, curly straight, kinky, wavy.. I just want it to grow back in period
Hi Barbara, thank you for sharing that important piece of information about iron, sometimes we can get so wrapped up in trying to fix our hair that we forgot about being cautious about the things we take that could create a whole set of other problems. It is probably a good idea if you are taking iron to get your levels tested regularly to make sure every is okay.
February 21st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi girls,
Glad to have found all these posts! I’m 22, and eventually went to the doctor a few weeks ago after months of depression caused by hair loss and they immediately sent me for a ferritin test. The results came back - my iron level was at 9!
As you can tell from these previous posts, it needs to be above 20 to be healthy, but preferably higher. I’ve been prescribed 200mg iron a day. As a previous poster said, these pills are very harsh on the stomach.
The first day I took them I went home from work with cramping pains in my stomach. I’ve since started taking them with a glass of orange juice, and although I still have digestive issues with them (which is expected with iron pills!) but at least the stomach pain has gone!
So far, I’m noticing a few changes - the main thing is that I’m much less tired than I used to be - I guess I never even realised how drained I was. And although my hair isn’t miraculously growing back (wouldn’t expect it to!), I have noticed less shedding since I started taking them. Maybe it’s the start of things improving - I hope so.
I guess I just wanted to post here because if anyone with hair loss hasn’t yet looked into their ferritin levels yet, it might be worth checking out - low iron can be the cause of so many problems, and it’s incredibly common.
February 22nd, 2008 at 5:42 am
Please advise how one goes about taking a ferritin test. My daughter of 22 is suffering severe hair loss and is petrified of needles. Can this test be taken via a urine test?
Thanks,
Kathy Jordaan
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 am
Hi Everyone:
I wanted to get in on the iron conversation. My doctor told me that my iron was fine but just on the low side. I never had a ferritin level test. These are my results along with the “ranges” next to them:
IRON SER 57 35-175 mg/dL
Iron Unsaturated 232 110-370 mcg/dL
TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY 289 250-400 mcg/dl
TRANSFERRIN SATURATION 19.7 15.0-50.0 %
Does anyone know if they look like they could contribute to hairloss?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
More Info on Iron:
Iron is an essential mineral. It is part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. Iron-deficient people tire easily in part because their bodies are starved for oxygen. Iron is also part of myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen. Without enough iron, adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the fuel the body runs on) cannot be properly synthesized. As a result, some iron-deficient people become fatigued even when their hemoglobin levels are normal (i.e., when they are not anemic).
Where is it found?
The most absorbable form of iron, called “heme” iron, is found in oysters, meat and poultry, and fish. Non-heme iron is also found in these foods, as well as in dried fruit, molasses, leafy green vegetables, wine, and iron supplements. Acidic foods (such as tomato sauce) cooked in an iron pan can also be a source of dietary iron.
Iron has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): see website- link on bottom here.
Which forms of supplemental iron are best?
All iron supplements are not the same. Ferrous iron (e.g. ferrous sulfate) is much better absorbed than ferric iron (e.g. ferric citrate).13 14 The most common form of iron supplement is ferrous sulfate, but it is known to produce intestinal side effects (such as constipation, nausea, and bloating) in many users.15 Some forms of ferrous sulfate are enteric-coated to delay tablet dissolving and prevent some side effects,16 but enteric-coated iron may not absorb as well as iron from standard supplements.17 18 19 Other forms of iron supplements, such as ferrous fumarate,20 21 ferrous gluconate,22 heme iron concentrate,23 24 25 26 and iron glycine amino acid chelate27 28 are readily absorbed and less likely to cause intestinal side effects.
How much is usually taken?
If a doctor diagnoses iron deficiency, iron supplementation is essential. To treat iron deficiency, a common recommended amount for an adult is 100 mg per day; that amount is usually reduced after the deficiency is corrected. When iron deficiency is diagnosed, the doctor must also determine the cause. Usually it’s not serious (such as normal menstrual blood loss or blood donation). Occasionally, however, iron deficiency signals ulcers or even colon cancer.
Some premenopausal women become marginally iron deficient unless they supplement with iron. However, the 18 mg of iron present in many multivitamin-mineral supplements is often adequate to prevent deficiency. A doctor should be consulted to determine the amount of iron that is needed.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Iron (ferrous sulfate) is the leading cause of accidental poisonings in children.29 30 31 The incidence of iron poisonings in young children increased dramatically in 1986. Many of these children obtained the iron from a child-resistant container opened by themselves or another child, or left open or improperly closed by an adult.32 Deaths in children have occurred from ingesting as little as 200 mg to as much as 5.85 grams of iron.33 Keep iron-containing supplements out of a child’s reach.
Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, polycythemia, and iron-loading anemias (such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia) are conditions involving excessive storage of iron. Supplementing iron can be quite dangerous for people with these diseases.
Supplemental amounts required to overcome iron deficiency can cause constipation. Sometimes switching the form of iron (see “Which forms of supplemental iron are best?” above), getting more exercise, or treating the constipation with fiber and fluids is helpful, though fiber can reduce iron absorption (see below). Sometimes the amount of iron must be reduced if constipation occurs.
Some researchers have linked excess iron levels to diabetes,34 cancer,35 increased risk of infection,36 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),37 exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis,38 and Huntington’s disease.39 The greatest concern has surrounded the possibility that excess storage of iron in the body increases the risk of heart disease.40 41 42 Two analyses of published studies came to different conclusions about whether iron could increase heart disease risk.43 44 One trial has suggested that such a link may exist, but only in some people (possibly smokers or those with elevated cholesterol levels).45 The link between excess iron and any of the diseases mentioned earlier in this paragraph has not been definitively proven. Nonetheless, too much iron causes free radical damage, which can, in theory, promote or exacerbate most of these diseases. People who are not iron deficient should generally not take iron supplements.
check out:out:http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2870003.html
March 5th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Kathy - ferritin levels are tested via blood test. I’m not sure if it can be done via a urine test. I’m the same age as your daughter so I know how she must be feeling - try to encourage her to have the blood test - it really isn’t too awful!
March 12th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Couple things (first let me say how happy I am to have found you all) 1. i’m just curious the extent of hair loss people have experienced. I have been slowly, slowly losing hair over the last 10 -15 years … it’s just now gotton to the point that I clealy have a bald spot–well, very thin, at the top of my head. My hair is also quite thin on the sides as well. and 2. I just found out that my iron stores are “on the low side of normal” and while I was told to take an iron supplement, I wasn’t told how many mg to take. I am currently taking ferrus sulfate and the label indicates the level of iron is 65mg which my OB told me to take 2x day (just had a baby in early Feb to compound things).
It’s nice to know I’m not the only woman going through this. I’m assuming the hairloss is reversable — am I wrong?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Hi Ladies,
Thanks for all the info you’ve posted. It’s been very helpful. I talked to a lady at the health food store and she recommended Floradix Iron + Herbs. I’ve started taking it and I’ll post again in a month to report any differences. =)
April 13th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Hi Everyone,
I am so happy to have found this site. I noticed my hair was thinning the night before my 36th birthday, and totally freaked out. I have always had very thick, long hair. I went to my doctor and she did some routine blood tests and said my iron was a little low but nothing to worry about. She suggested I could go see a dermatologist. I was too worried the dermatolgogist would not have any solutions so I put it off, as well as friends and family said I had lots of hair, what was I talking about !
A year later I finally went to see a dermatologist- as I was getting very depressed and losing more and more hair. She immediately suggested I have my ferritin levels checked (this was September ‘07). I was at 28 - she said that was very low - the range is from 20 to 100 and something - supposedly). She prescribed Chromagen Forte - which is some kind of iron supplement I guess. I took it for 8 weeks and had blood tested again, the ferritin level had actually had dropped down to 20. She doubled up my prescription and I had my blood checked after 8 more weeks and I am now up to about 90. I really am not seeing any regrowth yet - but am hopeful. I have an appointment with her this week, so we’ll see what she wants to do next.
Has anyone noticed their hair falling out more in the spring than the winter ? Mine seems to for some reason - and lateley it’s been falling out a lot, so I hope this is just the time of year.
I had also visited a 2nd dermatologist (man) who was supposed to be a hair specialist, shortly after getting prescribed the Chromagen Forte, as I hoped he would confirm what the first dermatologist said. He didn’t offer to do any blood tests, he said go ahead and try Rogaine for men - which I found to be a wierd recommendation, as I had read the formula for men is not supposed to be used by women, as it may be harmful I guess. He basically said don’t stress out, this is part of getting older - I wish I didnt’ waste my time with him, because he only depressed me. Later I found out he is retiring soon, so I am chalking him up as someone who probably doesn’t stay up to date with new findings and doesn’t really care. The first dermatologist seems very caring, as she had lost all her hair due to cancer (chemo). She said she has had several patients who have had success in growing hair back once the iron and ferritin levels are improved - I hope I can be one of them.
I appreciate all your postings - It’s nice to have friends out there. I have done lots of research on hair loss for women, and never once heard about ferritin until I went to the dermatologist. Unless you specifically search for ferritin, I have not ever seen it related to hair loss on the internet- everyone just wants to direct you over to Bosley for hair restoration…. I hope this ferritin thing is the answer for us all
April 18th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Punky,
I’ve noticed my hair falling out more in the spring too! I’m going through a big shed right now and it sucks. Just found this website today and it’s totally awesome. Exactly what I needed! (Well, that, and more hair:) Good luck with the iron, I hope it helps. I never thought to have my levels checked before but now I will.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Hello everyone !
I have also low ferritin levels, I started taking Floradix tablets 2 weeks ago, so far I see no difference in my hair (I have very thing hair), I have been a vegetarian for many years and my mother and her father and my mother´s sister have androgenetic alopecia, so I am a bit worried I might end up having it as well….so far my hair looks normal only thin. I will let you know in a couple of months if my hair gets stronger or get new hair ! please Diane tell us if your ferritin goes up or you notice any change in your hair !
if anyone knows anything about how the androgenetic alopecia is passed from grandparents, parents etc please write about it ! I am not sure if it passed only from male to male or if it can jump from male to female and from female to male !
May 15th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Hi Punky,
Please do tell us your progress so far. I’m on Iron supplements since a month and am really hoping my hair will come back once my ferritin stores are up.