Iron Deficiency in Female Pattern Hair Loss, Chronic Telogen Effluvium, and Control Groups

October 2010 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Elise A. Olsen, Kate E. Reed, Patrick B. Cacchio, Leslie Caudill

iron deficiency female pattern hair loss chronic telogen effluvium premenopausal women hair growth ID FPHL CTE

Studysummary This study concluded that iron deficiency is common among women but not more prevalent in those with female pattern hair loss or chronic telogen effluvium compared to control subjects without hair loss. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This document is a compilation of several studies that aimed to investigate the relationship between iron deficiency (ID) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and chronic telogen effluvium (CTE). The studies found that ID is common in women but not necessarily increased in patients with FPHL or CTE compared to control subjects. However, there may be a higher prevalence of ID in premenopausal women with hair loss. The studies suggest that more definitive studies are needed to evaluate whether correction of ID in women with hair loss actually affects hair growth.

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Research cited in this study

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research Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss: The Jury Is Still Out

22 citations , April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency, its potential link to hair loss, and emphasizes the importance for dermatologists to understand these aspects; it reports no new findings.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations , December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the historical developments in understanding and treating male pattern hair loss, emphasizing the role of dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase inhibitors, but reports no new clinical findings.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

163 citations , November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata have significantly lower serum ferritin levels than those without hair loss, suggesting a potential link between these types of alopecia and decreased iron stores.

research There Is No Clear Association Between Low Serum Ferritin And Chronic Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss

83 citations , November 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found no direct relationship between low serum ferritin and chronic diffuse telogen hair loss in women, questioning the usefulness of serum ferritin measurement and iron supplementation for managing this condition.

research Nutritional Factors and Hair Loss

239 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This review explores the role of nutritional factors in hair loss, noting that iron and l-lysine supplementation may benefit some individuals, while excessive supplements can lead to hair shedding.

research Causes of Hair Loss and Developments in Hair Rejuvenation

69 citations , February 2002 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

This review discusses genetic and nutritional causes of hair loss, highlighting that around 90% of treated men show noticeable hair regrowth with a dual inhibitor, while women's hair loss may improve by correcting iron and l-lysine deficiencies.

research Does Tissue Iron Status Have a Role in Female Alopecia?

34 citations , July 1999 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Iron deficiency is not a significant cause of hair loss in women.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Increased Scalp Hair Shedding in Middle-Aged Women

234 citations , December 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The authors concluded that chronic telogen effluvium in middle-aged women presents distinct clinical and histological features that differ from androgenetic alopecia and acute telogen effluvium.

The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

research The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

83 citations , April 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

This study found that treatment with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol increased hair density in women with diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia, particularly when serum ferritin levels were above 40 μg/l.

research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

124 citations , August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.