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Permalink Reply by Gail on January 19, 2011 at 9:24pm

I have never heard of a relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss, and according to what I just Googled, 30 is not severely low, just at the lower end of the scale. Do you have any other symptoms of anemia? Do you feel tired or weak, do you have heavy periods? I suggest doing some nutritional research to see if you can boost your iron level in a more natural way - such as diet an/or supplements. There are many, many foods out there as good iron sources...meat and vegetables. There are also different kinds of iron, some more easily absorbed by your system.

Before you start paying bucks for injections and lining this doc's pocket, try other options first.

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Permalink Reply by KATHLEEN B. on January 20, 2011 at 1:05am

Hi Aimee.....
I have had AA for about 4 years. I got my iron level checked last summer and my level was super low like your ( my level was 12)...I was placed on a high level of iron pills. I was on them for over 3 months and my levels never increased. My doctor then recommended I try liquid iron you can buy at health food stores. After 3 more months on liquid iron my level only increased to 22. My body has a hard time absorbing the iron in tablet or liquid form. My doctor then perscribed me/referred me to get "iron Infusions" which take about 2-3 hours done at a hospital. I had 3 iron infusion session done over a course of 3 months and my iron levels increased to 78...... The iron infusion were great, and i highly recommend them if you are having a hard time absorbing iron. Ever since my iron levels have increased my hair has grown back quite a bit and also sheds a lot less :) .....ill have to go for another infusion in a couple months just to make sure my iron level doesn`t drop down again.The infusion have made such a difference in my life I can not stress enough how important it is to have your iron level over 70 for hair!!

My doctor also suggested "iron injections" done once a month at his office, i opted for the iron infusion instead tho, just because its works alot faster to increase the levels.

Hope this helps... good luck with everything....once you get your iron level higher....your hair will increase without a doubt....keep us posted

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Permalink Reply by Gail on January 20, 2011 at 9:17am

I'm glad the iron infusions worked for you Kathleen B., and I sincerely hope it is the answer for Aimee. But I have alopecia and my iron is perfectly fine, on the high end of the scale, for that matter. Never in my life have I been anemic.

As I alluded to before, different irons are absorbed differently and those in the DIET are absorbed most effectively. Supplements are unlikely to do the job if the iron level is really low.

What this conversation indicates is that everybody's alopecia is different, everybody's is brought on by different factors, and everybody's will respond (or not) to different treatments. I wish you the best!

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Permalink Reply by KATHLEEN B. on January 20, 2011 at 10:38am

Well said Gail.... I 100% percent agree with you :)

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Permalink Reply by Norm on January 20, 2011 at 8:18pm

I believe one of the side-effects is that you develop a magnetic personality..... and any hair you DO get back is a strange rusty-red colour when it rains. Oh, and it's entirely possible you start listening to Heavy Metal music. Other than that... :)

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Permalink Reply by susan williams on January 22, 2011 at 10:07pm

lol Norm...where do you get the jokes from.... :)

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Permalink Reply by Tallgirl on January 22, 2011 at 11:23pm

I think it's inborn, and he's incurable.

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Permalink Reply by Norm on January 24, 2011 at 1:23pm

Well at least you didn't say "inbred".... although I suppose that's all "relative", tee-hee!

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Permalink Reply by Angie P on January 22, 2011 at 11:36pm

Norm, why are you such a mess? Huh? All of your posts set me in fits of giggles. Stop it!

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Permalink Reply by KATHLEEN B. on January 20, 2011 at 11:38pm

Hi Aimee...

IV (intravenous) infusion of supplemental iron is administrated in severe cases of anemia when:
- Oral intake is not convenient.
-Higher doses of iron are needed in cases of severe anemia.
- Inadequate absorption like in malabsorption
- Rapid elevation of iron level is mandatory.

My doctor basically made a referral to the closest hospital to get the Iron Infusion. Basically you get and IV placed in your arm and a concentrated form of liquid iron is pumped into you. Its and effective way to increase your levels quickly and effectively. I had great results from an a higher iron level. I am less tired and have way more energy. I dont have to take as many "naps" anymore, the dark circles under my eyes cleared up a bit, and I dont bruise so easy anymore.

"Serum ferritin concentrations of 40 ng/mL or greater are required for maintaining good hair while 70ng/ml is required for regrowth" (Rushton DH. Management of hair loss in women. Dermatol Clinic) Your doctor was correct in saying that in order for hair to be able to re-grow your body need a iron level of 70 or higher.

Anyway hope that helps, and I do agree with Gail. Increased Iron levels maybe be helpful for your energy levels, but it is no guarantee for hair regrowth when it comes to aloepecia patients every person reacts differently and individually. In any event, hope your able to increase your iron levels ,should help your overall health;)

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Permalink Reply by Angie P on January 22, 2011 at 11:42pm

This is an interesting topic. I've been told all my adult life that I'm anemic. I've been forbidden(rejected) from donating blood because of it. Never really gave much thought to it though. Doesn't seem to prevent me from doing anything other than donating blood.

But, er, uh ... my thermostat is on 76 deg F. right now. I can't stand being cold.

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Permalink Reply by Dominique Cleopatra on February 9, 2011 at 2:35am

I used to always be cold, but then I started drinking red wine and even a sip or two warms me right up!

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