Ferritin - it's better, still thin! Shiny scalp.

[Ladymuck]

Hi all pretty new to this forum but wanted to share my story and hope to gain some advice from you as u are the experts, experience is knowledge. Started thinning when I was about 20 am now 32. When I was about 29 it went so thin it made me so upset looking at it. I read and read and read and finally managed to convince my Doctor to test my ferritin. It was 4, I thought I found my answer!! And in a sense, I did! Got it up super quick thanks to a lady sharing her story on a forum. I sprouted new hairs all over the place. At one point I had a lion mane around my face of new hairs. I was so happy. People have commented on how much better it looked. My ferritin has dropped to 40, my Doctor said I don't need supplements because it's 'normal' I do feel like I am losing more hair again tho!

Anyways back to my point, my scalp is very shiny and I would like to know if that means the follicles have packed up and gone or that it's just sebum covering them and they need to be cleared?? My scalp is still very visable lifting any layer reveals a wide parting especially on top and I would love to know how to get this thicker again. My family and friends are very supportive and saying it is better, and it is... I would just love to wear it down and not see my scalp.

I would appreciate any help!!

1. What could my shiny scalp (diffuse all over) be
2. Is there anything to help it
3. Has anyone else grown hair back from sorting out their ferrtin level (stories please!)
4. How long does it take for hair to grow after probably 10 years of low ferritin
5. Anyone got anything that could wake up follicles

Thank u

 

[Joan]

Hi, Ladymuck. When my hair loss began over three years ago, my ferritin was below 12. I was able to increase it to 49 with iron and blackstrap molasses, but, unfortunately, it had no impact on my shedding. To be honest, I don't think low ferritin means much. My cousin had very low iron, to the point of falling asleep during the day, and she didn't suffer any hair loss. Maybe you should have a scalp biopsy to rule out Androgenetic Alopecia. I have no clue what is causing your shiny scalp. Maybe someone else here can advise you on that. I've started taking spironolactone several months ago and will slowly increase my dosage to 200 mgs. So far, I'm not seeing any benefits. I've also been using Rogaine (men's, 1x/daily) for over a year and a half, without any benefits either. I'm a lot older than you (52) but still regular every month, and my hormones were in the normal range when I had them tested a couple years back, so I doubt menopause is my issue. Have you had any other blood tests besides ferritin?

 

[Ladymuck]

Hi, Ladymuck. When my hair loss began over three years ago, my ferritin was below 12. I was able to increase it to 49 with iron and blackstrap molasses, but, unfortunately, it had no impact on my shedding. To be honest, I don't think low ferritin means much. My cousin had very low iron, to the point of falling asleep during the day, and she didn't suffer any hair loss. Maybe you should have a scalp biopsy to rule out Androgenetic Alopecia. I have no clue what is causing your shiny scalp. Maybe someone else here can advise you on that. I've started taking spironolactone several months ago and will slowly increase my dosage to 200 mgs. So far, I'm not seeing any benefits. I've also been using Rogaine (men's, 1x/daily) for over a year and a half, without any benefits either. I'm a lot older than you (52) but still regular every month, and my hormones were in the normal range when I had them tested a couple years back, so I doubt menopause is my issue. Have you had any other blood tests besides ferritin?

Hi Joan thank you for your reply. I think I am going to try the Belgrave Centre it's close by. I've had a full blood count plus ferritin, thyroid and checked for food intolerances. The only thing I can think of other than Androgenetic Alopecia is that I have a condition called Keratosis pilaris where the follicles become blocked and I get a bumpy rash all over my legs and arms. I've managed to control this through the right cleansers and moisturising could this be related the the scalp I have no idea

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/keratosis-pilaris/Pages/Introduction.aspx

I have used A lot Of products over the years and wouldn't be at all suprised if it had built up as I used to use 'moisturising' and rebuilding products due to having bleach in my hair. I don't think I ever used a cleansing one until recently. Have you tried using cleasing products that remove sebum and DHT? I am using products that contain salicylic acid, just mildly for now (Nioxcin and Wella SP) as I read it's good for removal and I am then applying a serum that has caffeine and other stimulating products to try and wake any follicles.

How long does it take for spironolactone to work? I hope you find some answers. Did u have a biopsy done?

Thanks

 

[Joan]

I've used Nizoral and T/Sal shampoo in the past. My scalp has always been extremely oily. Neither did anything more than my normal shampoo. The only way to inhibit oil production is with Accutane, and I'm not going to mess with that, especially since it can cause hair loss. I don't believe too much sebum causes hair loss because I've never had a problem until three years ago, at age 49. Plus, I know people with oily hair who have no hair loss at all. I did have a biopsy, and it did reveal Androgenetic Alopecia. Lucky me! I don't know how long it takes to see any benefits from spironolactone. Since I'm still working my way up to 200 mgs., I don't expect to see anything positive, if I even do respond, until I reach that amount. I hope you get to the bottom of things too.

 

[WorriedGirlEM]

I've used Nizoral and T/Sal shampoo in the past. My scalp has always been extremely oily. Neither did anything more than my normal shampoo. The only way to inhibit oil production is with Accutane, and I'm not going to mess with that, especially since it can cause hair loss. I don't believe too much sebum causes hair loss because I've never had a problem until three years ago, at age 49. Plus, I know people with oily hair who have no hair loss at all. I did have a biopsy, and it did reveal Androgenetic Alopecia. Lucky me! I don't know how long it takes to see any benefits from spironolactone. Since I'm still working my way up to 200 mgs., I don't expect to see anything positive, if I even do respond, until I reach that amount. I hope you get to the bottom of things too.

Hi Joan,

I've been doing research on sebum and its role in hair loss and there's a lot of controversy over it. Some think sebum carries DHT and causes it to stick to and penetrate the hair follicle, which can cause hair loss an follicle miniaturization. Other's think it clogs the hair follicle which can also cause it.

Then there are those that say sebum carries nutrients and healthy oils to the follicle which are necessary for strong, heathly follicles and that anything natural like sebum can't be bad for your hair.

I'm not sure what to think myself. I do have naturally oily hair, but I don't wash my hair daily, only every other day because my hair sheds so bad when I wash it. On the other hand, if sebum also causes hair loss, then that might also be causing my hair to shed. I feel like I can't win either way.:crazy:

 

[Joan]

Hi, WorriedGirlEM. There are both female and male family members (one being my late father) who've suffered major hair loss and did/do not have oily skin, so I think overactive sebaceous glands are not the culprit for Androgenetic Alopecia--but thanks for the info. I read your story. It hasn't been that long for you, so it's possible you have Telogen Effluvium. I hope so. Have you considered a scalp biopsy?

 

[Chino]

Just curious if you ladies are consulting with your regular doctors (like the ones you'd see for a physical or a bad cold) or if you're seeing dermatologists? I'm new to this journey and feeling rather overwhelmed about where to start and what to expect. (Also trying really hard not to stress!)