Iron Status in Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss Among Women

This study investigated the association between iron deficiency and diffuse telogen hair loss in women aged 15 to 45. It involved 30 women with hair loss and 30 without, all with normal thyroid and inflammatory profiles. Results showed that women with hair loss had significantly lower mean ferritin levels (16.3 ng/mL) compared to those without hair loss (60.3 ng/mL), and lower transferrin saturation. Additionally, total iron binding capacity was higher in the hair loss group. The study found that women with iron deficiency anemia had a higher likelihood of experiencing telogen hair loss, with an odds ratio of 10.5. Serum ferritin levels of 30 ng/mL or lower were strongly linked to hair loss, highlighting the importance of ferritin in hair health.