Low Iron Level Is Related to Telogen Effluvium in Women: A Case-Control Study

February 2013 in “ Bangladesh Journal of Medicine ”

Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Abdul Wahab, Lubna Khondoker, Shirajul Islam Khan

telogen effluvium hair loss serum ferritin hemoglobin

TLDR Low iron levels are linked to hair loss in women.

A case-control study conducted from 2008 to 2010 involving 60 women found a significant association between low iron levels and telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss. The study showed that women with hair loss had significantly lower mean serum ferritin levels (18.8±8.1 g/L) and hemoglobin levels (11.5±1.4 gm/dl) compared to those without hair loss (36.6±9.9 mg/L and 12.8±1.1 gm/dl respectively). Despite some conflicting results from previous research, the study concluded that assessing hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels could be useful in evaluating hair loss in women, and recommended further large-scale research.

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research Role of Some Trace Elements in the Pathogenesis of Telogen Effluvium in Egyptian Females

4 citations , January 2010

Low levels of certain trace elements might contribute to hair loss in Egyptian women.

research Diffuse Hair Loss in an Adult Female: Approach to Diagnosis and Management

70 citations , January 2009 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

To manage hair loss in adult women, find the cause and treat it accordingly.

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

56 citations , January 2008 in “Dermatology”

Higher iron levels in the blood are not linked to increased hair loss in women.

research The Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Its Potential Relationship to Hair Loss

207 citations , May 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Iron deficiency may be related to hair loss, but there's not enough evidence to recommend iron screening or supplements for all hair loss patients.

research A Potential Relation Between Telogen Effluvium and Iron Deficiency in Adult Females

4 citations , January 2005

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

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

Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.

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”

Low iron levels are not directly linked to chronic hair loss and iron supplements may not help.

research Nutritional Factors and Hair Loss

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

Low iron and L-lysine levels can cause hair loss in women, and increasing these nutrients can reduce hair shedding.

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.