Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Yen on July 30, 2009 at 12:43am

I have had Alopecia Areata for three months now and when I went to the doctor to have it checked, she said that my iron levels are really low and that it might be contributing to the hairloss. I've been taking iron supplements since. The hairfall has somewhat abated since then but I can't tell if it's because of the iron supplements or if it's because I cut my hair short. No regrowth in my patch, though, and I've noticed the patch spreading just a teeny tiny bit.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by edie urso on July 30, 2009 at 2:20am

Hi Yen,

Keep taking the iron it can't help. Mine only went up 15 points in 4 months. It is at 45 and the doc wants it at a 100. I cut my hair a bit too and it feels better but I have new spots and it just keeps cropping up in different places. I do have hair growth in some of the big ones so I am excited.

Edie

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by edie urso on July 30, 2009 at 2:21am

I meant it can't hurt to take the iron. lolol.

Edie

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paula on July 31, 2009 at 9:48am

There are studies that show a strong association with ferritin levels <70. Mine was at 44 (considered w/ in the "normal" range but on the lower end of the spectrum), then 55 2 months later,, and I will have it rechecked in about a month. I have also been taking supplements and trying to eat more foods with iron. It takes a long time for iron levels to change.

• ▶ Reply