I have a ferritin level of 9, normal haemoglobin and currently normal TSH levels (although I am on I have a ferritin level of 9, normal haemoglobin and currently normal TSH levels (although I am on synthroid for hypothyroidism). I have diffuse hair loss and I have had two dermatologist consults and neither were conclusive as to whether or not it is TE or FPHL. Would iron supplements help or should I go down the rogaine route?
March 7, 2018
Answer: TE vs AGA (vs TE + AGA) One would really need to know your whole story and see your scalp up close to determine TE vs androgenetic alopecia. Many women have both. If you have miniaturized hair follicles on dermoscopy there is a good chance you have androgenetic alopecia. I would think the odds are quite good there is a component of androgenetic alopecia here but of course I would need to see the scalp to confirm. Certainly there is little harm with seeing what happens if you bring up your ferritin to 50-60 range. For most women, however, this does not solve the hair loss problem. In 2018, the Rogaine route remains the only FDA approved treatment. It gets downplayed alot as it does not help everyone. But it sure helps many. This is in contrast to countless treatments I could list that help hardly anyone. Other options for androgenetic alopecia you may wish to review include laser, PRP amd antiandrogens.
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March 7, 2018
Answer: TE vs AGA (vs TE + AGA) One would really need to know your whole story and see your scalp up close to determine TE vs androgenetic alopecia. Many women have both. If you have miniaturized hair follicles on dermoscopy there is a good chance you have androgenetic alopecia. I would think the odds are quite good there is a component of androgenetic alopecia here but of course I would need to see the scalp to confirm. Certainly there is little harm with seeing what happens if you bring up your ferritin to 50-60 range. For most women, however, this does not solve the hair loss problem. In 2018, the Rogaine route remains the only FDA approved treatment. It gets downplayed alot as it does not help everyone. But it sure helps many. This is in contrast to countless treatments I could list that help hardly anyone. Other options for androgenetic alopecia you may wish to review include laser, PRP amd antiandrogens.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 9, 2018
Answer: 36 y/o with ferritin of 9 Female hair loss typically involves multiple factors, including hormones, genetics, iron and nutritional components, etc. You would likely benefit from iron supplementation and your goal should be to get your Ferritin level to 70 or above (under physician supervision, as too much iron can also be a problem). Thyroid conditions, as well as medications to treat thyroid conditions can contribute to hair loss as well, but keeping your thyroid levels in the normal range are important. If you have a family history of hair loss and miniaturization is noted on exam, it may be FPHL that has been accelerated by contributing factors such as low iron and hypothyroidism. You may also benefit from Rogaine and making sure your other vitamins are adequate, such as vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and be sure you have adequate protein in your diet. Good luck!
Helpful
March 9, 2018
Answer: 36 y/o with ferritin of 9 Female hair loss typically involves multiple factors, including hormones, genetics, iron and nutritional components, etc. You would likely benefit from iron supplementation and your goal should be to get your Ferritin level to 70 or above (under physician supervision, as too much iron can also be a problem). Thyroid conditions, as well as medications to treat thyroid conditions can contribute to hair loss as well, but keeping your thyroid levels in the normal range are important. If you have a family history of hair loss and miniaturization is noted on exam, it may be FPHL that has been accelerated by contributing factors such as low iron and hypothyroidism. You may also benefit from Rogaine and making sure your other vitamins are adequate, such as vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and be sure you have adequate protein in your diet. Good luck!
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