Iron Plays a Certain Role in Patterned Hair Loss

January 2013 in “ Journal of Korean Medical Science ”

Song Youn Park, Se Young Na, Junhwan Kim, Soyun Cho, Jong Hee Lee

iron iron deficiency androgenetic alopecia hair growth iron supplementation

Studysummary This study found that serum ferritin levels were lower in premenopausal women with female pattern hair loss compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential role for iron in hair loss.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document discussed the role of iron in patterned hair loss, suggesting that iron deficiency might contribute to conditions like androgenetic alopecia. It highlighted the importance of adequate iron levels for healthy hair growth and recommended considering iron supplementation as part of hair loss treatment. The findings were supported by clinical observations and biochemical analyses, though the number of participants was not specified.

View this study on jkms.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Guidelines for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia (2010)

38 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews current guidelines for managing androgenetic alopecia and highlights the need for guidelines tailored to Japan; it reports no new clinical results.

research Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss—Nothing New?

6 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Iron deficiency might be linked to hair loss, but more research is needed.

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

72 citations , October 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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.

research S1 Guideline for Diagnostic Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, Women, and Adolescents

151 citations , August 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This guideline reviews the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia and offers expert consensus recommendations tailored to males, females, and adolescents, but reports no new clinical results.

research Serum Vitamin B12, Folate, Ferritin, and Iron Levels in Turkish Patients with Alopecia Areata

21 citations , January 2009 in “Indian journal of dermatology, venereology, and leprology”

Vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, and iron levels are not linked to alopecia areata.

research No Association Between Serum Ferritin Levels Greater Than 10 μg/l and Hair Loss Activity in Women

56 citations , January 2008 in “Dermatology”

This article discusses the controversy over serum ferritin levels in diagnosing iron deficiency in women with hair loss but reports no new findings, emphasizing the need for consistent reference ranges.

research A New Classification of Pattern Hair Loss That Is Universal for Men and Women: Basic and Specific (BASP) Classification

125 citations , May 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study describes the development of the BASP classification system, providing a universal and systematic approach for classifying pattern hair loss in both men and women.

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.