Women Hair Loss Forums - Ferritin Results

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Rae

01.08.2007, 14:06

Ferritin Results (Anemia & Hair Loss)
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OK..My ferritin is 119! So..my questions. Why am I shedding? How long do you have to be over a certain level before things start to progress? I guess they were for me..maybe this shed is normal? Didn't I read on this forum that you have to maintain a certain level for a bit..like 3 or 6 months? What does anyone know?

I keep thinking I should be seeing a lot of re-growth..but then again..my hair is growing. I'm confused!

Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Rae

01.08.2007, 14:09

@ Rae
Ferritin Results
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I went from 43 in March to 119 in August. That's a big leap..but I'm freaked because I'm shedding. I saw my gyn today and she is testing some hormones. She doesn't believe hormone flux stuff causes a lot of hairloss. She is attributing mine to my diet/iron/stress situation. She said my body is still in a period of trying to "right" itself. She said it could take up to 2 years. I'm waiting to get my results and then she talked about possibly using BCP's.

I feel frustrated. I think I just have to wait this out..still. Do I still keep taking the iron pills???

Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

julie

01.08.2007, 14:46

@ Rae
Ferritin Results
Post reply

ť If you have an inflamation (anywhere in the body), the ferritin level will also be high.

Sometimes we shed not because of ONE thing, it could be a combination.
Perhaps you have other "triggers" that also needs to looked at?

At any rate, try not to freak so much. it is not good for our hair.

julie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

V

01.08.2007, 15:03

@ julie
Ferritin Results
Post reply

ť ť If you have an inflamation (anywhere in the body), the ferritin level
ť will also be high.
ť

I agree. when you get your ferrtin up for a while and you are still shedding, it is time to consider other issues. Getting your hormones tested is a great start. You could have an imbalance....

then again, remember, if it is AGA, it usually doesn't present with an imbalance.

Please be careful with the iron...too much is bad for you too!
ť Sometimes we shed not because of ONE thing, it could be a combination.
ť Perhaps you have other "triggers" that also needs to looked at?
ť
ť

V is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Rae

01.08.2007, 15:29

@ V
Ferritin Results
Post reply

I don't know how long it's been up. What kind of an inflamation? That would make your ferritin level higher? I just remember reading that you have to keep your level up for a bit before things start to improve. I'm wondering..then if the hair dye didn't cause the shed. Or hormones? I'm not shedding so much today. It seems to have calmed down. So..we will see.

This is a tricky thing..this hairloss.

Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

cinderella

01.08.2007, 15:52

@ Rae
Ferritin Results
Post reply

My iron was 90 in march so I guess I am around 100 by now. I am stopping the iron pills and taking a multi every 2nd day and an iron supplement of 24mg each day. My hair grows 1cm each month but no regrowth.

If a women had aga wouldnt it progress slow like a man?

cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Rae

01.08.2007, 15:56

@ cinderella
Ferritin Results
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I've had re-growth. My hair just wasn't growing very fast when my ferritin was low. It's gotten a lot longer since April. And I see new hairs. SO, I know I've had re-growth. I asked my gyn about the shed and she said it was normal for hair to go in cycles..have more shedding at certain times. I haven't been pulling out clumps of hair..or shedding over 100 hairs. I think I've noticed it more because it's much darker and I was looking for it. I tend to obsess and focus about it. So, this could be a normal shed..I'm still trying to think positive. I pray it's not AGA!

Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

cinderella

01.08.2007, 16:14

@ Rae
Ferritin Results
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I think it may be stress Rae? and we definetely are more obsessed about our hair. When looking in the mirror I would stand at a normal distance before and now I get close up and even use a magnified mirror! (Im desperate to find new hairs!) We probably think its worse than it really is. Wish we could relax and just ignore it, then it would probably grow like a weed!

cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

cinderella

01.08.2007, 16:19

@ Rae
Ferritin Results
Post reply

What season are you in, I shed more just after summer. Some people shed autumn and spring, luckily I never noticed any increase in spring. But between Feb to June it went up each month and then started to decrease and now its normal around 20-30. Those hairs are slowly being replaced though. My temple is so bald looking though. I am dreading next years shed. I just pray my regrowth will start before it. I cant take much more of the worry.

cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

sara j

01.08.2007, 18:04

@ cinderella
Ferritin Results
Post reply

My endo told me that if I obsess, count hairs, cry, and obsessively think about my hair situation - IT WILL IMPEDE MY IMPROVEMENT. I try to keep myself mentally busy at all times....

ť What season are you in, I shed more just after summer. Some people shed
ť autumn and spring, luckily I never noticed any increase in spring. But
ť between Feb to June it went up each month and then started to decrease and
ť now its normal around 20-30. Those hairs are slowly being replaced though.
ť My temple is so bald looking though. I am dreading next years shed. I
ť just pray my regrowth will start before it. I cant take much more of the
ť worry.

sara j is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

cinderella

01.08.2007, 19:30

@ sara j
Ferritin Results
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I have to try hard to stay busy and keep my mind of it. Ive noticed that being in peri my anxiety level is higher at certain times and I obsess without realizing it. Does your doctor say when to expect regrowth sara? My doctor didnt really know and certainly didnt know how high your ferritin should be for regrowth.

cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

nomoresheds

01.08.2007, 20:57

@ Rae
Ferritin Results
Post reply

ť I went from 43 in March to 119 in August. That's a big leap..but I'm
ť freaked because I'm shedding. I saw my gyn today and she is testing some
ť hormones. She doesn't believe hormone flux stuff causes a lot of hairloss.
ť She is attributing mine to my diet/iron/stress situation. She said my body
ť is still in a period of trying to "right" itself. She said it could take
ť up to 2 years. I'm waiting to get my results and then she talked about
ť possibly using BCP's.
ť
ť I feel frustrated. I think I just have to wait this out..still. Do I still
ť keep taking the iron pills???

This sounds so familiar. One of the gyns I saw is just like that. She actually said hormones don't have anything to do with hair loss and that is so FALSE it's not funny. She admits she sees hair loss a lot though and I could only feel sorry for the poor women she tells this to. I do agree that diet, iron and stress are all factors and triggers, but hormones are a major cause for some people. I have had it 2 years now and am a bit improved so maybe her timeframe is right. The BCPs will balance the hormone levels but what happens when you stop? I'd be concerned about that. Did she recommend yasmin?

nomoresheds is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

cinderella

01.08.2007, 23:29

@ nomoresheds
Ferritin Results
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I wonder if my body is still trying to recover from using paxil from 04-05, who knows what these drugs mess up?

cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Rae

01.08.2007, 23:58

@ cinderella
Ferritin Results
Post reply

It could be just time. You just need more time..but I think your body may be telling you something..like having to let go and try an relax. I think it's time for you to find something else to spend your energy on. And I mean that in a good way..not a negative way. Stop yourself when you start to think about your hair..or when you want to go to the mirror and look at it. Stop yourself..turn in the other direction. I think that helps.

Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Aggie

02.08.2007, 10:10

@ Rae
Ferritin Results
Post reply

ť I went from 43 in March to 119 in August. That's a big leap..but I'm
ť freaked because I'm shedding. I saw my gyn today and she is testing some
ť hormones. She doesn't believe hormone flux stuff causes a lot of hairloss.
ť She is attributing mine to my diet/iron/stress situation. She said my body
ť is still in a period of trying to "right" itself. She said it could take
ť up to 2 years. I'm waiting to get my results and then she talked about
ť possibly using BCP's.
ť
ť I feel frustrated. I think I just have to wait this out..still. Do I still
ť keep taking the iron pills???

Rae, I know from past experience that recovery from low ferritin hair loss can take at least two years....obviously this time might be shorter/longer depending on the length of your hair. I have been told that I have regrowth all over my scalp, however, it will take at least a year for my top to show any improvement (as I'm told that the hair growth cycle needs time to get back into sync and also for hairs to become denser) and probably another year to see thickening up of the sides and back (I have long hair). If you're worried about how long recovery is taking it might give you peace of mind to get some more tests/checks done. When my ferritin levels are up to 100 I will still take iron for maintenence, either one Spatone or one to two Florisene supplements daily. There is no way that I will ever stop them again. I made that mistake after my last bout of TE and I probably wouldn't be in half as bad a situation as I am today if I had continued with them.

Aggie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

delilah

02.08.2007, 13:23

@ Rae
Ferritin Results
Post reply

I think this discussion has been had before but raising the ferritin may not have been your problem. Although it's nice to believe that it's the solution it's often not the cause of hair loss.

delilah is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Fashiongal

02.08.2007, 15:33

@ cinderella
To Cinderella
Post reply

ť My iron was 90 in march so I guess I am around 100 by now. I am stopping
ť the iron pills and taking a multi every 2nd day and an iron supplement of
ť 24mg each day. My hair grows 1cm each month but no regrowth.
ť
ť If a women had aga wouldnt it progress slow like a man?

Hi Cinderella...Men's AGA doesn't always progress slowly; I've known men who have lost their hair LIGHTENING fast. Glad your ferritin is up so well; sounds like you are doing the right thing to keep the levels steady but not overload your liver on too much iron. Remember, with many kinds of HL the new hairs do NOT replace the old ones as quickly; there can be a several-month lag time. This is one of the factors which cause thinning hair - the hairs replace themselves slower. Take care....FG ;-)

Fashiongal is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

cinderella

02.08.2007, 15:34

@ Aggie
Ferritin Results
Post reply

Aggie, I lost hair last March 06 for a few months my ferritin was 19. This March it was 90 and for the last few months Ive been having a seasonal shed which is showing regrowth but my hair is even thinner now as my lost hair hasnt returned. I have been really anxious about this and am worried already about next years shed in case my lost hair hasnt come back by then. Do you have any advice.

What amount of iron are you taking as maintenance. Thanks.

cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

cinderella

02.08.2007, 17:40

@ Fashiongal
To Cinderella
Post reply

Yes Ive just had a seasonal shed and have noticed that it has taken 2-3 months for the new hairs to grow in. Looks like my hair doesnt start growing a new one until the old one has come out. Most sites state that the new hair is growing under the old one to replace it. I dont know if my hair did this prior to my hairloss I wouldnt have noticed as I had so much hair.

cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Aggie

03.08.2007, 06:47
(edited by Aggie, 03.08.2007, 06:53)

@ cinderella
Ferritin Results - to Cinderella
Post reply

ť Aggie, I lost hair last March 06 for a few months my ferritin was 19. This
ť March it was 90 and for the last few months Ive been having a seasonal
ť shed which is showing regrowth but my hair is even thinner now as my lost
ť hair hasnt returned. I have been really anxious about this and am worried
ť already about next years shed in case my lost hair hasnt come back by
ť then. Do you have any advice.
ť
ť What amount of iron are you taking as maintenance. Thanks.

At the moment I'm taking the following:

AM: 1 x Florisene
1 x True Food Wise Woman Multi Vit/Mineral
2 x 1000mg MSM

Noon: 1 Spatone

PM: 2 x Florisene
1 x True Food Wise Woman Multi Vit/Mineral
2 x 1000mg MSM
1 x Biotin 1000ug

Obviously so much iron isn't normally recommended but it's been OK'd by my doctor until my ferritin levels reach 70ish. My last reading was 38 beginning of May. My next test is mid August and hopefully things will have improved. When my levels are OK I'll probably maintain with the vitamins and alternate between one satchet of Spatone and 2 Florisene daily.

Another important factor is stress. I know that it's an anxious time for all women on this forum, however, it's no good for your general health/wellbeing nor for hair growth. As I've stated before, my stress levels have greatly reduced since using a cover up/thickening spray.....I don't have to worry about my problem until the next wash. As you appear to be very anxious, it might help if you look into a cover up that you are comfortable using. I'm sure once you find the right one it will make you feel much more confident and happier within yourself, which in turn should help your body heal itself much quicker.

The next thing is I took a big step and went for a second opinion with two derms at different hospitals. Initially I wasn't going to as I was petrified of what I would hear, however, I finally came to the decision that if I was told I had AGA I could take it as a postive step, ie. get some appropriate treatment, accept my situation and start looking into types of hair replacement. In a strange sense I would have peace of mind and most importantly closure. In the event I was again told that I have low ferritin hair loss, so I have had to accept this diagnosis, carry on with my regime and if in 12 months time things haven't improved will return to be re-assessed.

Have you been or thinking of going for any further consultations/tests? Frightening as it is, this might be the next step if you are unhappy with your progress. An independent eye might even be able to offer you some reassurance by confirming that you have more regrowth than you think you have. In my opinion, I think you need to be brave and take this next big leap. Hopefully you will get the news you want, however, if there is another problem running alongside the low ferritin I think that it's best for you in the long run that this be identified and treated sooner rather than later.

Aggie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

cinderella

05.08.2007, 16:27

@ Aggie
Ferritin Results - to Cinderella
Post reply

Thanks for your reply. Yes I have considered seeing someone else if I dont get some regrowth this year. I cant understand why the rest of my hair is carrying on as normal (shedding, regrowth and getting long) and yet the lost hair isnt returning. I know this as my part area is still not as full and my front and temples area got noticeably thinner during my seasonal shed. I wonder as my hair is so seasonal that maybe its waiting for spring to regrow (like in nature, loss in autumn, growth spring!!!) I know my anxiety isnt helping. I went to see Harry Potter yesterday and my hair was all I could think about, I was looking at all the characters hair parts etc. Very frustrating. Today Im not feeling so obsessive. I think the serotonin balance is really off in my brain. I should be on meds for it but I refuse as they can cause hairloss (although I didnt have a problem last time Iwas on them) and I gained a pile of weight that I am only now losing after 18 months off pills. Thanks

cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Aggie

08.08.2007, 12:57

@ cinderella
Ferritin Results - to Cinderella
Post reply

ť Thanks for your reply. Yes I have considered seeing someone else if I dont
ť get some regrowth this year. I cant understand why the rest of my hair is
ť carrying on as normal (shedding, regrowth and getting long) and yet the
ť lost hair isnt returning. I know this as my part area is still not as
ť full and my front and temples area got noticeably thinner during my
ť seasonal shed. I wonder as my hair is so seasonal that maybe its waiting
ť for spring to regrow (like in nature, loss in autumn, growth spring!!!) I
ť know my anxiety isnt helping. I went to see Harry Potter yesterday and my
ť hair was all I could think about, I was looking at all the characters hair
ť parts etc. Very frustrating. Today Im not feeling so obsessive. I think
ť the serotonin balance is really off in my brain. I should be on meds for it
ť but I refuse as they can cause hairloss (although I didnt have a problem
ť last time Iwas on them) and I gained a pile of weight that I am only now
ť losing after 18 months off pills. Thanks

You're welcome. One way or another, I hope things start to improve for you very soon.

Aggie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Rae 01.08.2007, 14:06	Ferritin Results (Anemia & Hair Loss) Post reply
	OK..My ferritin is 119! So..my questions. Why am I shedding? How long do you have to be over a certain level before things start to progress? I guess they were for me..maybe this shed is normal? Didn't I read on this forum that you have to maintain a certain level for a bit..like 3 or 6 months? What does anyone know? I keep thinking I should be seeing a lot of re-growth..but then again..my hair is growing. I'm confused! Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Rae 01.08.2007, 14:09 @ Rae	Ferritin Results Post reply
	I went from 43 in March to 119 in August. That's a big leap..but I'm freaked because I'm shedding. I saw my gyn today and she is testing some hormones. She doesn't believe hormone flux stuff causes a lot of hairloss. She is attributing mine to my diet/iron/stress situation. She said my body is still in a period of trying to "right" itself. She said it could take up to 2 years. I'm waiting to get my results and then she talked about possibly using BCP's. I feel frustrated. I think I just have to wait this out..still. Do I still keep taking the iron pills??? Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
julie 01.08.2007, 14:46 @ Rae	Ferritin Results Post reply
	ť If you have an inflamation (anywhere in the body), the ferritin level will also be high. Sometimes we shed not because of ONE thing, it could be a combination. Perhaps you have other "triggers" that also needs to looked at? At any rate, try not to freak so much. it is not good for our hair. julie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
V 01.08.2007, 15:03 @ julie	Ferritin Results Post reply
	ť ť If you have an inflamation (anywhere in the body), the ferritin level ť will also be high. ť I agree. when you get your ferrtin up for a while and you are still shedding, it is time to consider other issues. Getting your hormones tested is a great start. You could have an imbalance.... then again, remember, if it is AGA, it usually doesn't present with an imbalance. Please be careful with the iron...too much is bad for you too! ť Sometimes we shed not because of ONE thing, it could be a combination. ť Perhaps you have other "triggers" that also needs to looked at? ť ť V is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Rae 01.08.2007, 15:29 @ V	Ferritin Results Post reply
	I don't know how long it's been up. What kind of an inflamation? That would make your ferritin level higher? I just remember reading that you have to keep your level up for a bit before things start to improve. I'm wondering..then if the hair dye didn't cause the shed. Or hormones? I'm not shedding so much today. It seems to have calmed down. So..we will see. This is a tricky thing..this hairloss. Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
cinderella 01.08.2007, 15:52 @ Rae	Ferritin Results Post reply
	My iron was 90 in march so I guess I am around 100 by now. I am stopping the iron pills and taking a multi every 2nd day and an iron supplement of 24mg each day. My hair grows 1cm each month but no regrowth. If a women had aga wouldnt it progress slow like a man? cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Rae 01.08.2007, 15:56 @ cinderella	Ferritin Results Post reply
	I've had re-growth. My hair just wasn't growing very fast when my ferritin was low. It's gotten a lot longer since April. And I see new hairs. SO, I know I've had re-growth. I asked my gyn about the shed and she said it was normal for hair to go in cycles..have more shedding at certain times. I haven't been pulling out clumps of hair..or shedding over 100 hairs. I think I've noticed it more because it's much darker and I was looking for it. I tend to obsess and focus about it. So, this could be a normal shed..I'm still trying to think positive. I pray it's not AGA! Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
cinderella 01.08.2007, 16:14 @ Rae	Ferritin Results Post reply
	I think it may be stress Rae? and we definetely are more obsessed about our hair. When looking in the mirror I would stand at a normal distance before and now I get close up and even use a magnified mirror! (Im desperate to find new hairs!) We probably think its worse than it really is. Wish we could relax and just ignore it, then it would probably grow like a weed! cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
cinderella 01.08.2007, 16:19 @ Rae	Ferritin Results Post reply
	What season are you in, I shed more just after summer. Some people shed autumn and spring, luckily I never noticed any increase in spring. But between Feb to June it went up each month and then started to decrease and now its normal around 20-30. Those hairs are slowly being replaced though. My temple is so bald looking though. I am dreading next years shed. I just pray my regrowth will start before it. I cant take much more of the worry. cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
sara j 01.08.2007, 18:04 @ cinderella	Ferritin Results Post reply
	My endo told me that if I obsess, count hairs, cry, and obsessively think about my hair situation - IT WILL IMPEDE MY IMPROVEMENT. I try to keep myself mentally busy at all times.... ť What season are you in, I shed more just after summer. Some people shed ť autumn and spring, luckily I never noticed any increase in spring. But ť between Feb to June it went up each month and then started to decrease and ť now its normal around 20-30. Those hairs are slowly being replaced though. ť My temple is so bald looking though. I am dreading next years shed. I ť just pray my regrowth will start before it. I cant take much more of the ť worry. sara j is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
cinderella 01.08.2007, 19:30 @ sara j	Ferritin Results Post reply
	I have to try hard to stay busy and keep my mind of it. Ive noticed that being in peri my anxiety level is higher at certain times and I obsess without realizing it. Does your doctor say when to expect regrowth sara? My doctor didnt really know and certainly didnt know how high your ferritin should be for regrowth. cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
nomoresheds 01.08.2007, 20:57 @ Rae	Ferritin Results Post reply
	ť I went from 43 in March to 119 in August. That's a big leap..but I'm ť freaked because I'm shedding. I saw my gyn today and she is testing some ť hormones. She doesn't believe hormone flux stuff causes a lot of hairloss. ť She is attributing mine to my diet/iron/stress situation. She said my body ť is still in a period of trying to "right" itself. She said it could take ť up to 2 years. I'm waiting to get my results and then she talked about ť possibly using BCP's. ť ť I feel frustrated. I think I just have to wait this out..still. Do I still ť keep taking the iron pills??? This sounds so familiar. One of the gyns I saw is just like that. She actually said hormones don't have anything to do with hair loss and that is so FALSE it's not funny. She admits she sees hair loss a lot though and I could only feel sorry for the poor women she tells this to. I do agree that diet, iron and stress are all factors and triggers, but hormones are a major cause for some people. I have had it 2 years now and am a bit improved so maybe her timeframe is right. The BCPs will balance the hormone levels but what happens when you stop? I'd be concerned about that. Did she recommend yasmin? nomoresheds is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
cinderella 01.08.2007, 23:29 @ nomoresheds	Ferritin Results Post reply
	I wonder if my body is still trying to recover from using paxil from 04-05, who knows what these drugs mess up? cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Rae 01.08.2007, 23:58 @ cinderella	Ferritin Results Post reply
	It could be just time. You just need more time..but I think your body may be telling you something..like having to let go and try an relax. I think it's time for you to find something else to spend your energy on. And I mean that in a good way..not a negative way. Stop yourself when you start to think about your hair..or when you want to go to the mirror and look at it. Stop yourself..turn in the other direction. I think that helps. Rae is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Aggie 02.08.2007, 10:10 @ Rae	Ferritin Results Post reply
	ť I went from 43 in March to 119 in August. That's a big leap..but I'm ť freaked because I'm shedding. I saw my gyn today and she is testing some ť hormones. She doesn't believe hormone flux stuff causes a lot of hairloss. ť She is attributing mine to my diet/iron/stress situation. She said my body ť is still in a period of trying to "right" itself. She said it could take ť up to 2 years. I'm waiting to get my results and then she talked about ť possibly using BCP's. ť ť I feel frustrated. I think I just have to wait this out..still. Do I still ť keep taking the iron pills??? Rae, I know from past experience that recovery from low ferritin hair loss can take at least two years....obviously this time might be shorter/longer depending on the length of your hair. I have been told that I have regrowth all over my scalp, however, it will take at least a year for my top to show any improvement (as I'm told that the hair growth cycle needs time to get back into sync and also for hairs to become denser) and probably another year to see thickening up of the sides and back (I have long hair). If you're worried about how long recovery is taking it might give you peace of mind to get some more tests/checks done. When my ferritin levels are up to 100 I will still take iron for maintenence, either one Spatone or one to two Florisene supplements daily. There is no way that I will ever stop them again. I made that mistake after my last bout of TE and I probably wouldn't be in half as bad a situation as I am today if I had continued with them. Aggie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
delilah 02.08.2007, 13:23 @ Rae	Ferritin Results Post reply
	I think this discussion has been had before but raising the ferritin may not have been your problem. Although it's nice to believe that it's the solution it's often not the cause of hair loss. delilah is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Fashiongal 02.08.2007, 15:33 @ cinderella	To Cinderella Post reply
	ť My iron was 90 in march so I guess I am around 100 by now. I am stopping ť the iron pills and taking a multi every 2nd day and an iron supplement of ť 24mg each day. My hair grows 1cm each month but no regrowth. ť ť If a women had aga wouldnt it progress slow like a man? Hi Cinderella...Men's AGA doesn't always progress slowly; I've known men who have lost their hair LIGHTENING fast. Glad your ferritin is up so well; sounds like you are doing the right thing to keep the levels steady but not overload your liver on too much iron. Remember, with many kinds of HL the new hairs do NOT replace the old ones as quickly; there can be a several-month lag time. This is one of the factors which cause thinning hair - the hairs replace themselves slower. Take care....FG Fashiongal is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
cinderella 02.08.2007, 15:34 @ Aggie	Ferritin Results Post reply
	Aggie, I lost hair last March 06 for a few months my ferritin was 19. This March it was 90 and for the last few months Ive been having a seasonal shed which is showing regrowth but my hair is even thinner now as my lost hair hasnt returned. I have been really anxious about this and am worried already about next years shed in case my lost hair hasnt come back by then. Do you have any advice. What amount of iron are you taking as maintenance. Thanks. cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
cinderella 02.08.2007, 17:40 @ Fashiongal	To Cinderella Post reply
	Yes Ive just had a seasonal shed and have noticed that it has taken 2-3 months for the new hairs to grow in. Looks like my hair doesnt start growing a new one until the old one has come out. Most sites state that the new hair is growing under the old one to replace it. I dont know if my hair did this prior to my hairloss I wouldnt have noticed as I had so much hair. cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Aggie 03.08.2007, 06:47 (edited by Aggie, 03.08.2007, 06:53) @ cinderella	Ferritin Results - to Cinderella Post reply
	ť Aggie, I lost hair last March 06 for a few months my ferritin was 19. This ť March it was 90 and for the last few months Ive been having a seasonal ť shed which is showing regrowth but my hair is even thinner now as my lost ť hair hasnt returned. I have been really anxious about this and am worried ť already about next years shed in case my lost hair hasnt come back by ť then. Do you have any advice. ť ť What amount of iron are you taking as maintenance. Thanks. At the moment I'm taking the following: AM: 1 x Florisene 1 x True Food Wise Woman Multi Vit/Mineral 2 x 1000mg MSM Noon: 1 Spatone PM: 2 x Florisene 1 x True Food Wise Woman Multi Vit/Mineral 2 x 1000mg MSM 1 x Biotin 1000ug Obviously so much iron isn't normally recommended but it's been OK'd by my doctor until my ferritin levels reach 70ish. My last reading was 38 beginning of May. My next test is mid August and hopefully things will have improved. When my levels are OK I'll probably maintain with the vitamins and alternate between one satchet of Spatone and 2 Florisene daily. Another important factor is stress. I know that it's an anxious time for all women on this forum, however, it's no good for your general health/wellbeing nor for hair growth. As I've stated before, my stress levels have greatly reduced since using a cover up/thickening spray.....I don't have to worry about my problem until the next wash. As you appear to be very anxious, it might help if you look into a cover up that you are comfortable using. I'm sure once you find the right one it will make you feel much more confident and happier within yourself, which in turn should help your body heal itself much quicker. The next thing is I took a big step and went for a second opinion with two derms at different hospitals. Initially I wasn't going to as I was petrified of what I would hear, however, I finally came to the decision that if I was told I had AGA I could take it as a postive step, ie. get some appropriate treatment, accept my situation and start looking into types of hair replacement. In a strange sense I would have peace of mind and most importantly closure. In the event I was again told that I have low ferritin hair loss, so I have had to accept this diagnosis, carry on with my regime and if in 12 months time things haven't improved will return to be re-assessed. Have you been or thinking of going for any further consultations/tests? Frightening as it is, this might be the next step if you are unhappy with your progress. An independent eye might even be able to offer you some reassurance by confirming that you have more regrowth than you think you have. In my opinion, I think you need to be brave and take this next big leap. Hopefully you will get the news you want, however, if there is another problem running alongside the low ferritin I think that it's best for you in the long run that this be identified and treated sooner rather than later. Aggie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
cinderella 05.08.2007, 16:27 @ Aggie	Ferritin Results - to Cinderella Post reply
	Thanks for your reply. Yes I have considered seeing someone else if I dont get some regrowth this year. I cant understand why the rest of my hair is carrying on as normal (shedding, regrowth and getting long) and yet the lost hair isnt returning. I know this as my part area is still not as full and my front and temples area got noticeably thinner during my seasonal shed. I wonder as my hair is so seasonal that maybe its waiting for spring to regrow (like in nature, loss in autumn, growth spring!!!) I know my anxiety isnt helping. I went to see Harry Potter yesterday and my hair was all I could think about, I was looking at all the characters hair parts etc. Very frustrating. Today Im not feeling so obsessive. I think the serotonin balance is really off in my brain. I should be on meds for it but I refuse as they can cause hairloss (although I didnt have a problem last time Iwas on them) and I gained a pile of weight that I am only now losing after 18 months off pills. Thanks cinderella is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Aggie 08.08.2007, 12:57 @ cinderella	Ferritin Results - to Cinderella Post reply
	ť Thanks for your reply. Yes I have considered seeing someone else if I dont ť get some regrowth this year. I cant understand why the rest of my hair is ť carrying on as normal (shedding, regrowth and getting long) and yet the ť lost hair isnt returning. I know this as my part area is still not as ť full and my front and temples area got noticeably thinner during my ť seasonal shed. I wonder as my hair is so seasonal that maybe its waiting ť for spring to regrow (like in nature, loss in autumn, growth spring!!!) I ť know my anxiety isnt helping. I went to see Harry Potter yesterday and my ť hair was all I could think about, I was looking at all the characters hair ť parts etc. Very frustrating. Today Im not feeling so obsessive. I think ť the serotonin balance is really off in my brain. I should be on meds for it ť but I refuse as they can cause hairloss (although I didnt have a problem ť last time Iwas on them) and I gained a pile of weight that I am only now ť losing after 18 months off pills. Thanks You're welcome. One way or another, I hope things start to improve for you very soon. Aggie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO