| Author | Message | ||
     Anonymous |
I have diffuse hair loss and also low serum ferritin. Is there a relation between these? My diet is OK. I'm careful of what I eat. I'm a vegetarian although I drink milk and have a few eggs once in a while. The vegetables I eat like spinach, broccoli, and corn all have iron but perhaps not enough. Maybe I need an iron supplement but I prefer to get my nutrients from natural sources if I can. I certainly don't want to have too much iron in my system because I read there is a positive correlation between high levels of iron and some forms of cancer. If my hair was not getting thinner I would not be thinking iron or anything pertaining to health other than good food. I'm too young for thin hair and I am going to do everything it takes to remedy the situation. Right now I'm looking for answers. | ||
| Tom Hagerty (Admin) |
Anonymous, Several scientific reports that I've read suggest that recovery from hair loss is more probable if your iron level is in the higher normal ranges. Often women who are still menstruating will be deficient in this mineral. This is especially true of vegetarians. The best source of dietary iron is liver and lean meat. Some green vegetables like the broccoli and the spinach you eat are also good sources. The problem is that the iron in vegetables is not absorbed as readily as is the iron in lean meat. Certain vitamins are necessary too for the proper absorption of iron like vitamin E and especially vitamin C. Other substances hinder the sbsorption of iron like tea and a high intake of cellulose. The level of absorption of iron is also different for different people. A diet rich in animal protein until your level of iron is built up may be a good idea if it does not conflict too much with your vegetarian way of life. I think you should be careful, though, about iron supplementation. An excess of iron can also cause hair loss along with other more severe problems. You evidently get enough vitamin B12 because you drink milk. Lack of B12 as well as lack of iron is often a factor in anemia. It is unlikely, though, that building up your iron level to the higher normal ranges will in itself solve your hair problems, but it is least a start in the right direction. | ||
| Alice G |
The anonymous poster talked about serum ferritin levels. Is this the same as the iron level? If not what's the difference and what is the significance? Are there any other factors like exercise or too much protein that might slow down assimilation of iron from dietary sources? I too want to make sure I have sufficient iron stores without opting for the supplementation route. How often does iron in the body have to be replenished? I know it's not like the water-soluble B complex or vitamin C which requires daily doses. For example, if I eat liver (which I hate) once a month, would that take care of a good portion of my iron intake? | ||
| Tom Hagerty (Admin) |
Many scientists believe it's the serum ferritin level that is correlated with hair loss problems especially in women. Ferritin (an iron-phospherous-protein compound) is the form in which iron is stored in the body. If the level of ferritin is low as measured by a blood test, it may take many months to bring it up to normal or preferably high normal. Very small amounts of iron are lost daily (premenopausal women lose twice as much as men). Obviously the iron lost must be made up for through food or supplements. Some studies indicate that the essential amino acid lysine might play an important role in the assimilation of iron. Since both lysine and iron are plentiful in red meat, this seems like a good source for people who are running low. Liver once a month? I hate it too. It's a barbaric food. Once a month can't hurt too much though. It is the richest natural source of the mineral. | ||
| Tom Hagerty (Admin) |
The anonymous poster also asked if iron level and serum ferritin level is the same and if not what is the significance. Serum ferritin is a measure of iron stored in the tissues of the body whereas "iron level" sometimes refers to hemoglobin levels or the amount circulating in the blood (in the blood cells). Low hemoglobin levels may indicate various forms of anemia. | ||
| Anonymous |
I've read many times that heavy coffee drinking may cause an iron deficiency. The caffeine evidently reduces the assimilation of the iron in food. | ||
| mwoods |
If your ferratin iron level is low, it is definately a cause of hairloss/ thinning in women. Take a supplement. I too had to take a supplement because my iron was low. Proper nutrients arw very important for the health of your hair. | ||
| Anonymous |
I have a very sore scalp and my hair is diffusing. Is ferritin got something to do with this? | ||
| Anonymous |
I was told I have a low iron count. My doctor put me on ferratin iron pills. Now that I've been on the iron pills, my hair is falling out. It wasn't before I started taking the pills. Everything I've read says the reverse. I don't know if I should stop the iron pills or not. I want to keep my hair. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: If I had need of more iron I'd eat more lean meat. I would not use supplements for additional iron. When you bring up your serum ferritin level it's best to do it slowly. Getting your ferritin level above 70 ng/ml and keeping it there is important for hair growth, and especially to regain hair after a bout with telogen effluvium. But iron is toxic at high levels. That's why it's dangerous to take too much in a supplement. You don't want to take more than 20 milligrams a day on a regular basis. | ||
| Sherif Aboelella |
My wife is suffering from hair loss accidently. She examined a conusultant who discribed Vitamine " A " pills , after discovering Anemia in her blood test , that is along with other hair medication . Do you think this is a temporary case , if so , how long do think it takes to reach a full recovery . Please let me know as soon as possible. Kind regards , | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Sherif Aboelella: Are you saying that a doctor prescribed vitamin A pills after a test determined that your wife had anemia? If this is true, perhaps you should find a new doctor. Vitamin A is not prescribed for anemia. The usual prescription for anemia is the mineral iron. A continued overdose of vitamin A can cause a form of hair loss called telogen effluvium. This is not a permanent form of hair loss, but it can take over a year before the hair returns. An overdose of iron is not wise either. It might be a good idea if you and your wife read a reputable book on nutrition so that you'll understand how much of certain vitamins and minerals to take. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hi, I am a mother of 3 small children and have been experiencing severe diffuse hair loss over the last 2 months. My OB suggested a full iron screening which revealed I am anemic. He prescribed 65 mgs of ferrous sulfate, which immediately caused an allergic reaction. My head and body began to tingle (almost like my skin was crawling)and felt hot in spots. Both he and my primary doctor told me to go off the iron immediately and just take a multy vitamin. I worried because I didn't want to lose even more hair. I am sulfa intolerant, and therefore began taking a different form of iron call ferrous glucanate. It only came in a 28 mg. form at my pharmacy. I'm wondering if I should take 2 a day to equal the prescribed amount suggested by my doctor. I just want to get my numbers up and see if this is in fact the source of my hair loss. It's hard to tell, because I have been on many meds. for UTI's since the birth of my daughter 14 months ago. (I did experience the normal hair loss you go through a few months after she was born.) At this point, I have been to a dermatologist twice, who simply did some blood testing, but never even look at my scalp! He only tested my hemoglobin, not my full iron screen, and therefore said I did not appear anemic. He basically said he had no further help for me and suggested I see my general practitioner for more tests. I am currently waiting for the results of the ferratin test (which I only learned about after reading your web site). Wish me luck! I am hoping to see some improvement in my hair and overall energy level. One final question: Does anyone feel a constant tingling of the scalp? I still have this feeling daily. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: Why is everyone so enamored with pills, especially doctors? Have you ever left a doctor's office without a prescription or at least a suggestion that you buy a bottle of pills at the local pharmacy? Of course I take pills too, like vitamin E and ester-C. But if I need iron, which I don't, I'd eat more lean meat. The ferrous iron in meat is absorbed efficiently because of enzymes that are also in meat. The iron in vegetables in not absorbed efficiently. Of course if you are ideologically opposed to eating meat, you'll have to rely on pills to bring your serum ferritin level up to at least 70 ng/ml. You don't have to do this overnight though. Many people who are losing some hair have a tingling sensation in the scalp. Most dermatologists say there is no sensation in scalp tissue with the loss of hair, but new data suggest that there may be some sensation as many hair follicles enter at the same time into the telogen stage of the hair cycle. | ||
| royaghafouri |
I started to lose hair diffusely for several month now. I took a blood test several months ago and results came back fine. Last week, I took another test, and my iron was low. In the past month, my hair has been falling out alot and for the pat 6 months I've had tingling and pain in my legs during prolonged rest periods that are relieved upon moving which i now attribute to my low iron (restless leg syndrome). I just started eating more chicken and greens and cut down on my coffee. I also started to take an iron supplement a day...How long does it take to get my iron back to normal and will the hair I have lost grow back? Any other recommendations? | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Roy: A high intake of coffee interferes with the absorption of iron as does a high intake of tea, cellulose, and phosphorus. It's wise that you cut down on coffee. There's not much iron in chicken, and the iron in greens is not absorbed easily. If you don't eat beef, an iron supplement is a good choice. It might take several months for your serum ferritin level to get to 70 ng/ml, an optimum level. If you have telogen effluvium, this might speed up the regrowth of your hair. The time frame for regrowth is at least six months and even longer. | ||
| Anonymous |
hi tom... i'm taking iron supplements right now and eating better in order to raise my ferritin levels. My hair has been falling out diffusely for several months and i feel like it's starting to thin out quite a bit. It's only been two weeks that i started the iron pills and I know it's a long process, but is there anything i can do so it will fall out less. I'm beginning to think I'll have no hair left if it keeps falling out at this rate in three months. I'm also going through a stressful time right now with exams and medical boards in a month. I don't know if changing shampoos, not combing my hair or something else will help? Is there anything or do i just have to wait? And will the hair that has fallen out grow back? thanks | ||
| ann smith |
If your hair loss is due to poor diet, it will definitely come back. If you are experiencing an effluvium due to diet, then possibly a temporary trial or Rogain may help the situation until it stabilizes naturally. Anemia DEFINITELY can cause hair loss -- I've seen this in members of my family. One was my aunt (60s) who ate barely any protein foods and way too little. The other was a stepdaughter (16) who followed the vegetarian craze must teens fall prey too. When they stopped their foolish bird-like diets, their hair came back. When you say you are eating better -- make sure you are eating sufficient protein. Hair is made of protein. I don't know how big you are or if you are a man or woman -- but a single egg or small portion of dairy per day won't cut it. You need to add quality fish (sardines are excellent), organic flesh foods like beef, lamb, poultry and if you can stomach them, organ foods. I'm not sure why Tom referred to liver as a barbaric food. I do not enjoy the taste but it is a marvelous delicacy to others -- pate for example. This is a matter of taste. Liver however is undeniably excellent for one's hair. Also, if one is going to slaughter an animal for food, it is much less barbaric in my opinion to eat as much of the animal as possible. All organs (spleen, pancreas, thymus (aka sweetbreads), tongue, brain etc are HIGHLY nutritious foods and have been enjoyed by humans for centuries. Any dislike for them is purely conditioned response. If we would go back to eating these foods raised from range fed/organic animals, we could toss out all those expensive vitamins and purportedly "fortified" foods we waste our money on. Ruining our food supply with hormones, antibiotics and stripping our grains of nutrients and than "fortifying" them and putting sugar and corn syrup in everything is far more barbaric than eating liver in my view. You mentioned you are under unusual stress from taking the medical boards. I do not believe that stress in general causes hair loss. Pilots and surgeons and people fighting wars for example have real stress yet they are no more bald than anyone else. What prolonged, unusual stress can do is impair your body's ability to covert thyroid hormone T4 to the more active T3 form. This can definitely be rectified with a short trial of T3 (cytomel) or Armour (natural pig thyroid containing T3 and T4)or something similar but would not be helped by only taking T4 ie Synthroid. This is why people lose hair around 2-3 months after a crash diet weight loss. One's metabolism (thyroid) will slow down as a protective mechanism. This is generally just a temporary problem. If I were you, I would get your thyroid checked out but INSIST they test your free T3 levels (the most active thyroid level) as well as the other tests suggested on the website listed on Tom's thyroid notes. The website also suggests good endos in various states. Also get all your hormone levels checked. Good luck with your hair and your medical boards! | ||
| Anonymous |
hi ann...thanks for your reply...it is much appreciated. well, to fill you in more, i'm a 24 year old woman, 5'3 and 105 lbs. How do i tell if my hair falling out is due to my bad diet and low ferritin or effluvium as a cause of the bad diet. Also, i did all my blood work and it seems that my ferritin was the only abnormal result. Do you think I should start Rogaine until my ferritin levels go back to normal? I dont know, but i heard that if you start Rogaine you can experience hair loss upon ending your treatment. Again, I know its a long process, but i'm just afraid of losing so much hair. I've been eating chicken and greens along with my supplements everyday and excercising...i'm not crazy about eating liver and etc., although i do agree with you point of view...any other recommendations? lastly, i color my hair with natural dye...unfortunately at my age i get white hairs...is it okay to keep coloring my hair? sorry for all the questions, but as you all know, Doctors don't give you the time of day, and my doctor acts as if my hair loss is so trivial, but its not for me...thanks again for your time. | ||
| ann smith |
We're just about the same size! I would eat a variety of protein sources, not just chicken. Especially good is ORGANIC, GRASS-FED beef and lamb. If you can't find grass-fed, just get organic. Eat organic eggs and also select organic dairy if you tolerate dairy products without bloat or nasal congestion or other signs of dairy allergy or intollerance. Eat protein foods at each meal. Fish and seafood are good protein choices as well and also and contain trace minerals etc. Oily fish such as salmon or sardines are excellent choices too. You do not have to eat humongous portions, but meat/poultry/fish portions the size of your palm ie 4-5 ounces per meal is good. When you are studying, you may be skipping meals. Start taking suitable snacks with you -- here's what I use: Shelton's hormone-free free range turkey or beef jerkey, or tinned sardines in olive oil or water packed blueback salmon for protein or hard boiled eggs PLUS a few macadamia nuts or almonds or olives, and a small bit of lower-sugar fruit ie blueberries or small plum or small grapefruit etc. Carry green tea bags with you too. That way, when others are taking a junkfood break, you can enjoy a nice hot healthy beverage. Different people react differently to Rogaine. I only suggested it because some people have success with it for effluviums. I certainly don't believe a small course of it would be harmful. Effluviums tend to stop as suddenly as they start. I honestly believe your low ferritin level needs to be rectified ASAP. I would supplement with iron and eat iron rich meats etc until it is around 80. I would also urge you to find out why your ferritin is so low ie do you have heavy menstrual bleeding? Finally, SWITCH DOCTORS. Nobody has a right to treat you like your devastating problem doesn't matter. I've experienced the same thing with various endos (usually bald ones!) and they don't seem to give a darn about the problem. One actually said I was being vain!?! You are fortunate in that your ferritin level is a very likely culprit in your hairloss. Dr. Larrian Gillespie at hormonediva.com writes about this at great length. You should also have all hormones tested. Too many androgens ie testosterone, dhea can cause hair loss as can low SBHG levels. A hormone imbalance called Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome can cause scalp hair loss, unwanted facial hair, acne and weight gain in women. Try to keep your spirits up and make daily time to do Tom's scalp exercises. Good luck -- you're not alone. I understand how horrible this problem is for everyone, but especially women. | ||
| ann smith |
TO ANNONYMOUS: TWO MORE IMPORTANT THINGS RE: PREVIOUS POSTING: I'm sorrry I didn't include these earlier but I had to dash out. You say you are only 24 and already have white hair. Premature gray hair is highly associated with both pernicious anemia AND hypothyroidism or other thyroid disease -- both of which are famous for causing hair loss. Do an internet search (ie "Google") on premature gray hair and hypothyroid or thyroid and you will find lots of info. Because you are slim, foolish doctors may take one look at you and say, no need to test for hypothyroidism -- you're slim and hypos are overweight. This is an unfortunate stereotype. I know 2 professional dancers (extremely thin) who are both hypos. I am only slightly heavier than you and certainly slim -- size 6 petite, yet I too am hypo. It took several endos before I got one to agree to even test me. They kept saying that there is no way someone like me (slim) could have a thyroid issue... then I finally got tested and boy were they all wrong. So please get tested and please look at the thyroid link Tom posted. It will explain EXACTLY what tests to order. And please take a good multivitamin WITH iron until you get your ferritin levels up. A very good one is called Life Source Multiple made by the company called Source Naturals. It comes either in tabs or capsules and with or without iron. For easiest absorption, I would suggest getting the capsule version and be sure to select the WITH IRON version. Please keep us posted on your progress. Your results could help countless others suffering with easily reversible hair loss issues. As for hair dye -- I don't believe it can permanently damage hair follicles -- especially since you are using a natural hair coloring. It's much more damaging to hair in general to go lighter and blonder because one has to strip away pigment. Going darker or covering gray you are adding pigment. | ||
| Anonymous |
thanks ann...i appreciate your help very much and will take your advice. i'm hoping things will turn around. i'll keep you posted and let you know what happens...take care. | ||
| jennifer sivolella |
Hello everybody. I just wanted to tell you that about six months ago I had severe hair thinning. I am 34 years old. It was devastating as it would be for anyone. Of course I am anemic like most women are. I was a vegatarian for 10 years, I am not now. I wanted to tell you all that my hair did not start to grow back until I detoxified my liver. You can do this with herbal remedies. It should contain milk thistle. I purchased mine at Puritan's Pride. It is called Liv-A-New. It is reasonable and totally did the trick. In chinese medicine the liver is directly related to hair growth. If your liver is not in good shape you are not digesting all those nutrients you are desperately taking to grow your hair back. I had 7 surgeries in the past 10 years. Anesthesia severely impairs liver function, as well as the pesticides, preservatives and daily pollutants we are exposed to. My hair is now growing in very thick and healthy. It still has a way to go but at least it is going in the right direction. Also I have not read one women saying that her thyroid was tested. Many women have low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) which causes hair loss. Do not disregard this. If you normally have a low body temperature your thyroid is probably not functioning properly. Again this is a cause for hair loss. | ||
| jennifer sivolella |
This is in response to Ann Smith's message. I see you did write about hypothyroidism and hair loss. You may want to be advised that many cases of hypothyroidism do not register with traditional testing. If you know anyone who shows the signs of hypothyroidism and does not test positive you can recommend that they do a temperature test. When you wake up you should be about 98 degrees. After you are up a bit it should raise to about 98.6. Then lower again in the evening to about 98 degrees again. If someone is showing the signs such as hair loss, graying, cold, constipation and are not testing positive you can try these natural solutions. Vitamin E 400 to 800 units a day helps normalize thyroid function whether you have a hypoactive thyroid or a hyperactive one. Vitamin A 25,000 units daily. It converts cholesterol into progesterone, a hormone that enhances thyroid function. A colloidal mineral complex, liquid form, essential for the conversion of tyrosine, an amino acid, to thyroxin and for the conversion of T4 and T3 in the liver. I also take an amino acid complex. Unsaturated fats are toxic to the thyroid. Again detoxify your liver with an herbal detox, one containing milk thistle. It will help. Everything is connected. If you are losing your hair you need to look at the big picture. How your body is functioning as a whole, you won't regret it and you will never look better. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Jennifer: You advised people to take 25,000 units of vitamin A daily. Many hair loss professionals recommend 5000 units of vitamin A daily, which is all that the adult body needs. Continually overdosing on vitamin A can cause hair loss. I of course don't expect this one paragraph to change your thinking though. I hope you do some research on this subject and post another message. | ||
| Anonymous |
My hair is thinning out, I went to a doctor and had blood tests, and lack of iron caused the hair loss. I have to take a supplement called Ferrograd C, taking zinc and iron at the same time councils each other out also caffeine blocks the absorption of the iron into the blood. I have also been advised to go on the “pill” as heavy menstruating cause loss of iron as well. | ||
| Anonymous |
I'm a 26 year old woman and I'm experiencing extreme hair loss. I'm going to get my hair cut short becuase it's so thin it doesn't look good shoulder length anymore. I have a history of irregular & heavy periods, but I'm now fairly regular thanks to being on the pill for a while. I was very overweight (313 at 5 foot 6), but I've lost weight over the past year and half (224 now). The weight loss was very quick last year, but I've maintained/gained back 10 pounds in the last 7 months. I usually have a low temp, eat a mainly veggie diet (chicken once a week), and consume too much caffeine (Starbucks daily!). I will get all these things checked out with my doctor. I have noticed my hair slowly getting thinner since high school and college (when I was really gaining weight), but it's advanced rapidly over the past two years. My worry is: could I have female pattern baldness? Is this something that happens only after menopause or can someone my age get it? If so, is it reversable? I've tried Regaine/Rogaine but I got pimples on my scalp (more than usual), so I stopped using it. I've also noticed that Rogaine makes my hair look greasy, flat and dull. | ||
| guest |
You have listed many causes of temporary (reversible) hair loss. 1. DIET- Losing a lot of weight esp. quickly can cause hair loss. So can a vegetarian diet. So can a lack of protein that comes with a vegetarian diet. 2. ANEMIA - heavy periods and a vegetarian diet can cause anemia and this can cause hair loss. 3. IRREGULAR & HEAVY PERIODS- You may have an hormonal problem that is causing this and also hair loss. THYROID DISORDER - You may have a thyroid problem and this can definitely cause hair loss and some of the other symptoms you described. Get this all checked out by a doctor and if they don't help, find a new one. Get your ferritin/iron checked, thryoid, hormones, etc. Also start eating about 50-60 grams of low fat protein a day. Good luck! | ||
| Jenifer |
I think being a coffee addict, as the 26 year old woman admits to being, can in itself lead to hairloss. Coffee is a weakness of mine, though I never drank that much of it, and I am still struggling to stay away from it even though I know it doesn't help my hair, and it tends to displace foods that do help. I read an article that said it raises DHT levels so this would be a reason to avoid it. Coffee interferes with iron absorption too. I have noted that I look paler and less healthy on the days when I drink coffee. I've begun using a tonic of raw organic apple cider vinegar mixed with organic blackstrap molasses in water.,..the molasses is high in iron and B vitamins, and the vinegar helps absorb the iron, along with many other health benefits. Looking forward to pink cheeks and more hair... | ||
| Jenifer |
Oh boy! I just went on the Web to research the effects of coffee on iron absorption. Not only did I uncover evidence of this, but it appears that tea, even herb tea, also hinders iron absorption!! Pasting in the abstracts of the two studies: Inhibition of food iron absorption by coffee. Morck TA, Lynch SR, Cook JD. Dual isotope studies were performed in iron replete human subjects to evaluate the effect of coffee on nonheme iron absorption. A cup of coffee reduced iron absorption from a hamburger meal by 39% as compared to a 64% decrease with tea, which is known to be a potent inhibitor of iron absorption. When a cup of drip coffee or instant coffee was ingested with a meal composed of semipurified ingredients, absorption was reduced from 5.88% to 1.64 and 0.97%, respectively, and when the strength of the instant coffee was doubled, percentage iron absorption fell to 0.53%. No decrease in iron absorption occurred when coffee was consumed 1 h before a meal, but the same degree of inhibition as with simultaneous ingestion was seen when coffee was taken 1 h later. In tests containing no food items, iron absorption from NaFeEDTA was diminished to the same extent as that from ferric chloride when each was added to a cup of coffee. These studies demonstrate that coffee inhibits iron absorption in a concentration-dependent fashion. Publication Types: * Clinical Trial * Controlled Clinical Trial PMID: 6402915 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Inhibition of non-haem iron absorption in man by polyphenolic-containing beverages. Hurrell RF, Reddy M, Cook JD. Laboratory for Human Nutrition, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Ruschlikon, Switzerland. richard.hurrell@ilw.agrl.ethz.ch The effects of different polyphenol-containing beverages on Fe absorption from a bread meal were estimated in adult human subjects from the erythrocyte incorporation of radio-Fe. The test beverages contained different polyphenol structures and were rich in either phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid in coffee), monomeric flavonoids (herb teas, camomile (Matricaria recutita L.), vervain (Verbena officinalis L.), lime flower (Tilia cordata Mill.), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), or complex polyphenol polymerization products (black tea and cocoa). All beverages were potent inhibitors of Fe absorption and reduced absorption in a dose-dependent fashion depending on the content of total polyphenols. Compared with a water control meal, beverages containing 20-50 mg total polyphenols/serving reduced Fe absorption from the bread meal by 50-70%, whereas beverages containing 100-400 mg total polyphenols/serving reduced Fe absorption by 60-90%. Inhibition by black tea was 79-94%, peppermint tea 84%, pennyroyal 73%, cocoa 71%, vervain 59%, lime flower 52% and camomile 47%. At an identical concentration of total polyphenols, black tea was more inhibitory than cocoa, and more inhibitory than herb teas camomile, vervain, lime flower and pennyroyal, but was of equal inhibition to peppermint tea. Adding milk to coffee and tea had little or no influence on their inhibitory nature. Our findings demonstrate that herb teas, as well as black tea, coffee and coca can be potent inhibitors of Fe absorption. This property should be considered when giving dietary advice in relation to Fe nutrition. Publication Types: * Clinical Trial PMID: 10999016 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Jenifer: This is from the top abstract you posted - "Dual isotope studies were performed in iron replete human subjects to evaluate the effect of coffee on nonheme iron absorption." What is nonheme? Heme is the iron-containing portion of the hemoglobin molecule, but what is this nonheme? | ||
| Jenifer |
You got me there! I confess I don't pay attention to such details--was just concentrating on the info that coffee and tea, even herb tea which I thought was fine, inhibit iron absorption...and thus are bad news for hair. OK, I went to an online medical dictionary and got this--different spelling, but I'm pretty sure it's the same thing: non-haem iron protein <biochemistry> Any protein containing iron but not any haem iron; e.g., NADH dehydrogenase. They are often found in oxidation-reduction reactions, and contain iron but no porphyrin groups. What could be clearer? :-\ | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Thanks for the clarification. I'm going to ask you a more difficult question soon so don't get too relaxed on that slant board. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hey there. This has been somewhat of an interesting case. I am on the medicine Topamax and Neurontin. I have been on Neurontin for a long time, but I had been on the Topamax for about 6months when I started to lose my hair. I went to a dermatologist and had tons of labs drawn. The only thing they could find wrong was my ferritin was low. It was at a 9.0. I was placed on 300 mg per day of iron. It gradually went up. It is now at 18.0, but I am still slowly losing my hair, but it has improved. The last Dr. I went to said that the meds I am on can deplete iron.It has almost been 1 year now. Several months ago, I had my ferritin checked and it was 18.0. I was placed on 450 mg per day or iron. I am taking Nifrex(150mg iron - forte). Just last month, I had my ferritin checked again, and it was 18.0. It had not moved with 450 per day of iron therapy over a period of around 4 months or so. So, my doctor increased the dosage to 600mg per day. It seems like every time I go to the doctor my iron is increased. I even had one doctor talk about iron injections or IV iron? So, my question is, what is an appropriate dosage of iron per day for someone like me? How much should I really be taking to replete my stores. I read all these different articles that say different things? Thanks in Advance | ||
| Kim |
Hello, I have been experiencing gradual hair loss for about a year now. I wasn't too worried because I figured I was going through a phase & it would correct itself. After waiting but no improvement, I started getting concerned & spoke to my doctor who did some blood tests which had normal results for thyroid but I was low in iron. I started taking the prescribed 25 mg or iron citrate twice a day for three months. The three months are up and now I'm getting worried. My hair is still falling out at the same rate and things are really, really, thin. So maybe the iron wasn't the problem. I am wondering about this mirena iud I have. It has some levenorgestoral - could it be an influencing factor? I suppose I'm grasping at straws. Any ideas? Thanks | ||
| Jenifer |
Talk about difficult questions...I think both of the above questions are probably too hard for Tom or anyone else to answer! But, for what it's worth, I recommend the apple cider and blackstrap molasses tonic I've mentioned previously. The blackstrap is very high in iron and the vinegar helps to absorb it. I believe that iron obtained from food is far superior to the pills. Take one tablespoon of each mixed in a glass of water. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
An adult male needs abut 1 mg of iron every day; a premenopausal female needs over double that. The problem is, though, you have to get 15 to 30 mg of iron in the diet to be certain that the 1 or 2 or 3 mg of iron will be absorbed. Jenifer is right - "I believe that iron obtained from food is far superior to the pills." It's the absorbed iron that will build the serum ferritin level up to at least 70 or 80 ng/dl. | ||
| Anonymous |
for about 5 months now, I have been losing my hair in extensive amounts...I had some tests done including thyroid tests, free T3 and T4 and the only abnormal result was of course my ferritin values...I have started to take Ferrous Sulfate Tablets, along with improving my diet, and cutting back on the caffeine...I have noticed some regrowth of my hair and less hair falling out, even though it hasn't gone completely back to normal...but the hair that is growing is thinner than my other hairs and even some of these fall out...will my hair get stronger and thicker as my levels continue to increase? with iron deficiency, does all the hair grow back? i used to have tons of hair and complain that it is was too much too handle and now i wish i never did...just want to make sure that if i correct the problem, and with time, things will go back to normal...thanks | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: If the tests indicated that everything checked out except your serum ferritin level, getting that level up to 70 ng/ml and keeping it there will probably give you back what you want - tons of hair. Along with the ferrous sulfate tablets, try to have a good diet in general too. One nutrient found in a pill is never the magic bullet. | ||
| Anonymous |
hi there....was just wondering if anyone knew if a water softener could contribute to losing hair...i'm losing hair due to my iron deficiency and recently got a water softener to help with the dryness. just wanted to make sure that none of the filtered minerals were essential for hair...thanks. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: If you have a diet full of nutritious foods, the few minerals removed from the water will not contribute to hair loss. I hope you're doing something to correct your iron deficiency and bring your serum ferritin level up to at least 70 ng/ml. | ||
| Anonymous |
can a low ferritin level also cause hairloss for men? | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: Women lose a lot of iron when they menstruate. That's why they often have low serum ferritin levels if they have iron-poor (meat-free) diets. As far as I know, men don't menstruate so they don't lose their iron stores. If a man (a vegetarian) had a low serum ferritin level, it certainly is possible that this would have a negative effect on his hair. | ||
| Anonymous |
I am a 41 year old woman (5'4", 110 lbs) and have been experiencing hair loss for over a year. My thyroid and hemoglobin tests were normal. The only thing slightly abnormal was my total erythrocyte count, which was 3.9 (normal for a woman is 4.0 and above, I believe). I am physically fit and very healthy, although I used to drink heavily (2 glasses wine per day, which is heavy for a woman my size.) I have given up alcohol altogether, just in case this was the cause. I didn't mind being buzzed, but I sure do mind being bald! | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: Did you have a serum ferritin test? If you are a vegetarian or if you have very little iron in your diet, perhaps you should have this test. Premenopausal women often have low iron reserves. This can cause a diffuse thinning, or more likely can slow down the recovery from a thinning hair episode. The normal range for serum ferritin is broad. So even if you are within the normal range, this is not good enough. You probably should be near or above 70 ng/ml. | ||
| pam slaton |
Hi, I too have thinning hair and am about to the panic stage. Just today, I have found the culprit, (not thanks to the Dr.'s that I saw. ) It is topamax. (hair loss is a rare side effect.) Meanwhile, I have had test run for thyroid and also seen a disinterested dermatologist. I asked my MD immediately if this could be the problem and she said it was probably "stress." Now, my "stress" is getting my thin, dry hair to grow back. There is no evidence so far of any new growth. I stopped the topamax today and am to start lanictal next week. Should I have the iron level checked? Pam | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Pam Slaton: Topamax has a whole salad of side effects, hair loss being one. Is Lanictal any better? Perhaps you should have a serum ferritin test. This is not the same as the test for anemia, but women often find it a significant test for hair-loss problems. The normal range is wide. Low normal may not be good enough. If you have at least a level of 70 ng/ml, you can feel confident that this is not the problem. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hi, First i want to tell you that my daughter is 1year & seven months and she has got stripes of white hair. what tests i have to go through for her. or do i have to wait? Also, her hair is very dry and curly, is there any medicine or any relation between dry hair and less of vitamins or iron in her body. please tell me. | ||
| Jenifer |
Hi Anonymous, You might try giving her brewers' yeast in her bottle if she still uses one. Brewers' yeast is one of the richest sources of protein and B vitamins, both of which are important in keeping hair color and strength. For the dryness, you could give her a little cod liver oil, like a teaspoon a day. Raw wheat germ (buy the vaccuum- packed kind from the healthfood store) would also help both the color and for the dryness, | ||
| rejan guirguis |
Hi Jenifer, thanks for your quick answers. God Bless You Take care & Bye. | ||
| Diane Diaz |
Hi - I was checking out this site in desperation for a solution to hair thinning. I am a 38 year old female 5 feet tall and about 108 lbs. in very good physical condition. About 2 1/2 years ago I was ordered to stop taking birth control pills by my doctor after I had a blood clot in my retina that burst. After numerous tests they could not find the problem and could only attribute it to, possibly, the pill. I then started using an IUD (one without any hormones). Several months after going off the pill I experienced severe hair thinning. After many blood tests my doctor attributed the thinning to the fluctuation in hormones after going off the pill. Hair started to regrow and all was well - at least for awhile. Now I have unusually heavy periods (haven't had this since teenage years because I'd been on the pill for 20 some years). Over the past year I lost about 12 lbs in a rather short time - I was trying to lose weight but must admit that I did not eat very healthfully in trying to lose it. Over the past 6 months I have been experiencing what I consider to be severe hair thinning. Whenever I wash my hair I find what seems to be too much of it in my hands and in the shower drain. I'm thinking that if I lose much more I'll end up bald shortly. I have not yet been to the doctor to determine the problem, but was hoping someone could point me in the right direction as to what types of tests I should request. Also is it better to see a dermatologist or my internist for this problem? And are there any things that I could do between now and the time I see my doctor to at least diminish the hair loss? I should also tell you that I drink probably 3 - 4 cups of coffee in the morning and tons of tea throughout the day (green tea). I do take a multi-vitamin daily along with calcium, vitamin C and glucosamine (to ease joint pain). Thank you so much for any help you can provide! Diane Diaz | ||
| Jenifer |
OK, you're having unusually heavy periods, no doubt because of the IUD; you drink a lot of coffee and tea; and you lost weight on a diet you admit was not very healthy. Looks like you posted in the right thread--you must be very low in iron both because of the heavy periods and because of your coffee and tea drinking habits (though I am not sure about the green tea). Why don't you read through the preceding posts for more info on keeping your iron level high, and you might want to think about using another birth control method, like the diaphragm. | ||
| Diane Diaz |
So now I've gone to the doctor for my diffuse hair loss. Had my iron and some other things checked and the doctor tells me all is within normal ranges. Here are the figures: Iron total=127, Iron Binding Capacity=288, %saturation=44, hemoglobin=14, Ferritin=38 ng/ml, TSH=2.54. The only thing that was outside the normal range was my ALT (liver function?) at 74 (too high). So now that my doctor says there's nothing wrong with me and she cannot explain the hairloss, what do I do? I've read previous threads and it seems from the info that you've all provided that you need to have ferritin of at least 70 ng/ml to grow and maintain hair. So at 38 ng/ml it would seem I'm too low. Should I go back to my doctor and demand iron supplements, just take them myself or maybe try a dermatologist? Not sure where to turn next. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks! Diane Diaz | ||
| Jenifer |
You can't rely on the doctors to help you with your hairloss. Most doctors don't understand it any better than their patients do. Keep looking around this site, lots of good ideas re diet for hair. I'll email you some info I have gathered about this myself. | ||
| Anonymous |
I am a 54 fit woman that discovered 20 years ago I had a low throyid. Shortly after that I started taking snythroid I started experiencing hair loss. I had a full head of hair then and was told it was normal. Today I am losing more hair than ever and it is now very thin. I am told my diet is good and I am in other wise great health. I use an estergeon patch and take a natural progresterin. Each time I have my time I have my throyid checked I am told it is fine and should not change my dosage. In a few months I might be bald it is sooooo bad. Basically, the doc's say "Live with It!" I keep thinking it's got to be the thryoid! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. MANY THANKS Kathy | ||
| Anonymous |
You are right, it's the medications! I went on thyrod for a time and I saw the difference in my hair...thinner, less shine, etc. So I went off it and my hair recovered its healthy look. I say go off the pills, start using alot of seaweed in your diet, as it helps the thyroid, also do the Yoga shoulderstand (you can find description on the Web). Look under "Equol" in the Alternative section of this site for a recipe for miso soup containing seaweed...kelp tablets are good too. Good Luck! | ||
| guest |
It might also be your estrogen patch and progesterin causing an imbalance of your hormones which has triggered hair loss. Your doctor sounds so charming....I'd find a new one quick. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hi- I've had low ferritin (6 initially, now up to 49) caused by heavy periods from fibroids, which have since been removed. I'm on iron supplements and have my blood tested every 3 months. Anyway, my hair loss has been significant, but there is significant thinning in the middle top of my head, which seems to me to be more in line with genetic hair loss. I'm not that close with my family, but don't rembember seeing any women with thinning hair before menopause. Has anybody else experienced hair loss from iron anemia that behaves like this? | ||
| Diane Diaz |
Hi all - I have a question for Tom Hagerty. I've been suffering with this diffuse hair loss for about 6 months now and after seeing my internist and having blood work which she says is all normal she tells me she doesn't know how to help me with the hair loss. My ferretin level is 38 right now. And I read in a previous post that you said it is not good enough just to be within the normal range. I'm now thinking my doctor is an idiot because all she could do for me is repeat "Well, your ferretin is within the normal range". Big help! So here's my question. I'm doing everything I can with info found on this site and provided by another poster to increase my ferretin level through my dietary intake. So I'm working on it. But how can I get a doctor - clearly not my current one - to take my concern seriously? I would like some doctor to be on board with this so that I can get my ferretin level checked again in a couple of months to see if it is up. But if my doctor thinks it's normal she probably won't test it for me. Also, any thoughts on a ballpark time frame that it could take to see any increase in ferretin? Any info is appreciated! Thanks - Diane | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Diane: You're doing what's important right now - reading and learning. Without the proper knowledge you're at the mercy of authority figures like doctors, most of whom really don't have the time to deal with exotic problems like female hair loss. Getting your serum ferritin level up to at least 70 ng/ml will take time. The best way to do this is with beef liver perhaps twice a week. It's really not that horrible unless you can't eat meat for ideological reasons. Ballpark time frame - three to six months. | ||
| Diane Diaz |
Tom - Thanks for the quick response. Oh my God, I hate liver - nothing ideological, just hate the taste!!!! But at this point I'm willing to try anything. Will beef provide good results as well? I've developed quite a craving for filet mignon lately. Just wondering. Again, thank you for your help! Diane | ||
| Jenifer |
You can find tablets and capsules of dessicated beef liver at the health food/vitamin store. It's dried at very low heat, and it's Argentinian so there are no toxins in it. So you can just swallow those and you won't have to taste that horrible liver... I like chicken livers myself, and I think they are even higher in iron than beef liver...maybe I'll look for a good recipe. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
A man needs about 0.5 to 1.0 mg of iron each day. A premenopausal woman will need twice that. But because only a fraction of the iron in food is absorbed, you should get between 15 to 30 mg of iron in the diet or in supplements. According to the Physicians Desk Reference only 10 to 20 percent of nutrients are absorbed from supplements - that means much less with iron. I think the filet mignon options sounds better. There's plenty of iron in that too. Chicken livers and rice will put hair back on your head in days. | ||
| kendall |
Hi Tom....I promise to make this brief. This is kendall again.i told myself NOT to come on these sights anymore becasue really it was making me ill.So I have limeted myself, and i do feel somewhat better..after my HORRYIFYING diagnosis of androgentetic alopecia(biopsy),I have gottne my iron level up to 130 by taking what you had suggested the ferrous fumarate(SP?)If i wasnt a big meat eater, which i really am NOT. I could live without it totally if i had too! ..anyhow for the past couple of months.i have noticed the major falling out has stopped..... as usual the dermotologists are about useless and dont have the any to any questions... 1) Even having been diagnosed with the AA, is it possible to recover and have my hair back to normal after a few years, or am i doomed due to this diagnosis. It DID start out as telogen effluvium due to the many contributing factors last year. anyhow..i guess my question is what I asked above.... you had mentioned a long time ago that telogen effluvium can MORPH into this AA.. Im still kinda confused.No one has been able to elaborate on that for me. 2)Is it harmful LONg term to stay on a high dose of iron i think i am on 200 mg of ferrous fumarate, and 35 in my viatmins.. Im scared to death to stop using it.Im afraid i will become anemic again, and my iron level will become to low to grow my hair back>>>How long should onI stay on this if my iron is now high enough.. I think it was 130 a couple of weeks ago....? I guess those are my biggest questions...the MAJOR one being If i did indeed have TE first, will the hair recover from that and then over the years just start thinnig some?Im still confused as to what to expect.I know noone can be sure, but i would like to know if there will be a huge recovery from the TE, then just soem thinnig over the years. good grief Im only 35!.... thanks alot..... | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Kendall: When you go to a doctor you expect to get a diagnosis. Doctors accommodate this expectation and give you a diagnosis. For example, if you have lower-back pain and go to an orthopedic surgeon, he'll tell you that you have a compressed disc or a herniated disc or something - and tell you that you should think about having surgery. He knows very well that the diagnosis probably has nothing to do with your pain and that in three week the pain will probably vanish as quickly as it came. People expect a diagnosis and the doctor delivers. Your doctor's diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia may be right, but it also may be wrong. It's hard to differentiate between androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium unless a characteristic pattern on the scalp emerges. And this usually does not happen in a woman's scalp. Your serum ferritin level in now 130. You can cut down on you iron supplementation to maintain that level. I'm not going to give you any numbers. Each individual is different so you'll have to experiment. A low serum ferritin level will not make you anemic, but it will impede your chances of recovering your hair. (After all you're only 35!) | ||
| kendall |
ok, thanks alot Tom. THakns for your quick reply:} SO do you mean even with a biopsy that was done and showed "androgenetic alopececia".... that could still be hard to be 100 percent about? Then what good did the biopsy really do?My OB said the same thing when i showed him the biopsy test results from the Derm...It really doesnt mean any thing other than alot of womens hair as they age, gets thinner...Is what he said./ Im still confused..as usual;[ i do understand a little more from the examples above you just gave me....So good advice would probaly be..forget the diagnois? is it possible to never notice any thinnig or baldness after my hair regrows? Thank GOODNESS, i stopped using the rogian,it was so wierd, I do think it helped stop the TE.I used it for two months (only once a day though)then it kinda stopped.I dont know if it would have stopped on its own who knows.i did grow soem lovely hair on my hands and face. Thanks heavens it was blond. Its been two months since i stopped the rogain but the body hair is still obvious. I hope that vanishes too, but ya know a s long as i have hair on my head, I can live with the other until then!!! In your opinion....It takes 3- 4 months for a person to loose regrown hair from the rogain, do you think since i used the rogain to stop the TE, will it start fallling out again since i do indeed have the diagnosis of AA? i know Im confusing with my questions. I know what im getting at,I just have trouble putting it to were some one else can understand the question... :} HA HA anyhow thanks in advance again! | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Kendall: Your question is, "do you think since i used the rogain to stop the TE, will it start fallling out again since i do indeed have the diagnosis of AA?" Well, you do indeed have the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia but that doesn't necessarily mean you actually have AA as your OB implied. If you have telogen effluvium, the Rogaine may have kick started the growth of new hair. This will not fall out after you quit the drug. If you have AA, you will lose what you gained in about three months after quitting the drug. | ||
| rayna |
Thanks to all for contributing to this website. I have several questions for Tom or whoever else might have helpful information on a solid plan for remedying hair loss. I am 36 years old and for the last 9 months have been experiencing major hair loss. Its getting so thin I dread taking a shower or brushing it and it is a major source of stress. A month ago I had an abdominal myomectomy to remove fibroids and thought that perhaps the hair loss might be related in some way to this. I had all of the iron tests and everything was normal, but the ferratin level was 26. My dermatologist told me to take 65mg of elemental iron a day and come back in 3 months. I've been taking this 2 months and there has been no improvement. I had a basic thyroid test but I don't believe they tested T3 or T4, so I need to request this. I too also eat a primarly vegetarian diet with only fish. I find in reading all of the information I can find that I am overwhelmed and don't know what a realistic starting point to remedy this is. My questions are these: What kind of iron supplement should I take and how many milligrams should it be? (is 65mg of elemental iron too much - I don't want to make the problem worse). If I reincorporate meat into my diet, what kind should I eat and how many ounces a day - and along with all of the meat, should I still take the same mg amount of iron or just abandon the iron supplement all together and just focus on the meat? The dermatologist said a level of 50 and above is optimal for hair loss. If I add a supplement and the meat all at once, what is a realistic time frame to know whether this is working or not? Aside from requesting a T3 and T4 thyroid test, are there any other tests I should request? I'm at a loss. Also, I have noticed the problem since I moved into a new house. Is it possible that the water quality is causing this hair loss? Prior to the move I had had well water for 14 years. I requested a water report and it seems pretty standard for VOCs. I am contemplating a shower filter, but from sources I've read, water quality is an unlikely cause. Also the dermatologist told me stress might be the cause, but I've been in stressful periods before and never had such a result. I'm especially freaked out because ai read that hair loss is a common after effect of surgery and I can't afford to shed anymore than I'm already losing. Sorry to rambling, but very concerned and looking for answers. Just don't know if the iron is the more likely cause or if it is more likely a hormonal issue or if the two are linked. Any info or a relaistic plan to start with would e greatly appreciated. Also Jennifer, I do take milk thistle. Thank you! | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Rayna: There are at least a half dozen important questions in your message. Most of these have been answered many times in this discussion forum already. I'll try to answer two of your questions. 1. Probably a serum ferritin level of above 70 ng/ml is best in order to recover from TE. If you can handle beef liver three times a week, I think this is more effective for bringing your level up from 26. It's more effective because the iron in meat is more easily absorbed than is the iron in supplements. Once you get your serum ferritin level where you want it, you'll have to keep it there. The maintenance amount of iron you need is not as great as the iron you need now. Excess iron is hard to eliminate from the body. Most people don't need any supplemental iron. Too much iron can increase the risk of cancer and damage the heart. In other words, take it easy. Build up your serum ferritin slowly. Eating lean meat is the safest way. 2. Prolonged psychological stress is overrated as a cause for telogen effluvium and hair loss in general. But several triggers all at once, including stress, can cause the short cycling of the hair follicles, and can even lead to chronic TE. You've had an operation (loss of blood, physical stress) and the stress of seeing your hair vanish. The best thing to do in order to ease a stressful state of mind is to take action. That's what you're doing now in learning what positive steps you can take. Action is a great stress-reduction agent. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
This page is getting too long - too much vertical scrolling. Please post new messages on this topic here - "Borderline" anemia and hair loss, page 2. |
