ferratin levels and Androgenetic Alopecia

[SadMom]

What connection if any is there between Androgenetic Alopecia and low ferratin levels? It's the only thing I haven't had checked yet, but will be in a few weeks when my thryoid gets retested. Is it common for people with Androgenetic Alopecia to have low levels? Does raising them make any improvement in shedding or regrowth? It's the last possible hope I have to hang on to. That maybe my levels are low, and raising them will bring about some miraculous improvement. Right.....

 

[Guest]

Hi SadMom,

Ferritin levels are not directly associated with Androgenetic Alopecia, rather, its just that many women are iron deficient. An iron deficiency can cause telogen effluvium, or hair shedding.

A healthy ferritin level for women is about 70, and for optimal hair health, a level around 100 is best. I did not even know I was anemic until I was tested. My ferritin level and iron were pretty low when I was tested at the end of September, and I have been on iron supplements ever since, in the hopes that it will help with hair loss.

But if indeed you do find your ferritin levels are low, adding iron supplements might not necessarily cause a miraculous influx of new regrowth. Do not despair, it will definitely help in your treatment and overall general health.

Laura

 

[SadMom]

I found some old lab results from 4 years ago, and my ferratin was only 65 then. So.... I'll definitely have it retested now in case it's gotten worse.