Diagnosis and Treatment of Female Alopecia: Focusing on Iron Deficiency-Related Alopecia

    August 2023 in “ Tzu Chi Medical Journal ”
    Chia-Shuen Lin, Li-Yi Chan, Jen-Hung Wang, Chung-Hsing Chang
    Image of study
    TLDR Iron deficiency is the main cause of hair loss in women, and iron supplements started within 6 months can improve hair health.
    The study "Diagnosis and treatment of female alopecia: Focusing on the iron deficiency-related alopecia" involved 155 female patients and found that iron deficiency (ID) was the most common cause of female alopecia (FA), accounting for 70.3% of cases. The majority of women with ID-related alopecia were premenopausal, with an average age of 34.4 years. The study identified ferritin as a more sensitive marker than hemoglobin for early detection of ID, and suggested that the normal serum ferritin level should be redefined as ≥60 ng/mL. The study also found that iron and zinc deficiencies often coexist and that psychological stress is a common comorbidity in ID-FA. The authors recommend initiating iron supplementation within 6 months for a better prognosis of ID-FA.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    25 / 25 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Spironolactone for 11 years, finasteride for almost 5 years, started oral minoxidil in November 😢 ended oral contraceptive in Dec.

      in Progress Pictures  224 upvotes 8 months ago
      A user shared their 11-year experience with spironolactone and nearly 5 years with finasteride for hair loss, recently adding oral minoxidil and stopping birth control. Various treatments were discussed, including organic options, checking for underlying health issues, considering dutasteride, and the potential role of progesterone in hair loss.

      community Dutasteride UPDATE (female) *sixth month*

      in Progress Pictures  16 upvotes 2 years ago
      A female user in her mid-20s with androgenetic alopecia and suspected telogene effluvium who has been taking Dutasteride, Spironolactone, Minoxidil, Dermarolling, Ketoconazol shampoo, and Yaz contraception for her hair loss for the past 6 months. She had a small shed during this time that she believes to be stress related.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  449 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community Which vitamin deficiencies can lead to hair loss?

      in Chat  69 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses potential vitamin deficiencies leading to hair loss, with a focus on Vitamin D and iron. Some individuals are using finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss, while others consider vitamin supplementation due to deficiencies.

      community Please take a vitamin & hormone test

      in Chat  256 upvotes 1 week ago
      Checking vitamin and hormone levels is important for addressing hair loss, as deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and iron can affect hair growth. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamin supplements are used, but addressing deficiencies is crucial for effectiveness.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results