Women Hair Loss Forums - Iron levels up, but shedding increased

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hls20

15.07.2008, 01:45

Iron levels up, but shedding increased (Anemia & Hair Loss)
Post reply

Hi,
I have been taking 100 mg of iron daily since April and raised my ferritin levels from 19 to 55. Still continuing on the iron pills. My problem is that the shedding has increased over the past 3 months (from 30-40 per day to 100-150 per day). 100 may look normal to some, but I don't have much to loose on my head anymore. I've been suffering hairloss since i was 20; i'm 25 now, and have lost 50% of hair already. I got a scalp biopsy done, and was diagnosed as having TE, but my dermatologist put me on Spiro as my androgen levels are slightly elevated as well.

My question is, does increase in ferritin level gave anyone an inital shed? Please reply.

hls20 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

megan

17.07.2008, 12:21

@ hls20
Iron levels up, but shedding increased
Post reply

Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens when you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. I would have your zinc levels checked.

Take Care

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

megan

17.07.2008, 12:28

@ megan
Iron levels up, but shedding increased
Post reply

Also, like Rae said below - eat alot of protein - especially red meat at every meal.

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

delilah

17.07.2008, 15:35

@ megan
Iron levels up, but shedding increased
Post reply

� Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens when
� you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. I
� would have your zinc levels checked.
�
� Take Care

Although the Spiro may cause an initial shed it's probably going to do a lot more good than the iron will for your hair in the long run. Ferritin of 55 is terrific it really doesn't need to be any higher than that. If you have a slightly elevated androgen level raising the iron is not going to decrease the shed but lowering the androgens probably will. Good diet is always important but the diet alone isn't going to change much either if you have normal eating habits.

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

JL

18.07.2008, 17:33

@ megan
Spiro can cause hair loss??
Post reply

This is the first time I've heard that! Please tell me more. I've been on Spiro for 9 months and the loss continues in a big way. In fact, it's accelerated. I have half the hair I had a year ago.

Do you have studies or reports that confirm that spiro CAUSES hair loss??? If I find out I've been taking something for 9 months that made it worse...I don't know what I'm going to do. I am on the absolute edge at the moment. I'm shedding 300-400 hairs/day. My scalp is visible from every angle. I haven't left the house in almost 3 weeks.

Please tell me the spiro isn't making it worse. I feel sick.

� Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens when
� you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. I
� would have your zinc levels checked.
�
� Take Care

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

delilah

19.07.2008, 06:17

@ JL
Spiro can cause hair loss??
Post reply

� This is the first time I've heard that! Please tell me more. I've been on
� Spiro for 9 months and the loss continues in a big way. In fact, it's
� accelerated. I have half the hair I had a year ago.
�
� Do you have studies or reports that confirm that spiro CAUSES hair loss???
� If I find out I've been taking something for 9 months that made it
� worse...I don't know what I'm going to do. I am on the absolute edge at the
� moment. I'm shedding 300-400 hairs/day. My scalp is visible from every
� angle. I haven't left the house in almost 3 weeks.
�
� Please tell me the spiro isn't making it worse. I feel sick.
�
�
�
� � Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens
� when
� � you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss.
� I
� � would have your zinc levels checked.
� �
� � Take Care

I've never read that they cause HL only that they may cause an initial shed. What dose are you and are you on any othe meds? Doubt the zinc can do much but can't hurt either. Most women seem to get some good results with Spiro.

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

hls20

08.08.2008, 03:38

@ megan
Iron levels up, but shedding increased
Post reply

� Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens when
� you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. I
� would have your zinc levels checked.
�
� Take Care

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I've only started taking Spiro a month ago. My recent history is:

Started Minoxidil in Dec-07 (once every night). Went thru the 'dread-shed' in Dec-07-Jan-08. Then hairloss stablized (20-50 per day)....no regrowth though. Still continuing on Minox.
Diagnosed as low in iron in Feb.
Started Iron (130mg) in Mar. Hairloss still the same.
Shedding increased in May to 60-80, and has gradually increased to 100+ now. I am seeing small hair growing for the past 1-2 months. (I don't think i saw that before, unless I didn't notice). Don't know if this is due to Minox or Iron??
Diagnosed as having TE in Jun. But the derm told me that I can try Spiro cuz the androgens are on the higher end of the range.
Started Spiro a month ago.

In gist, my hair is lesser than what it was in Dec. I have been using toppik since Jan and it worked beautifully. But if the shedding continues, in 2-3 months, toppik won't be of much help.

My question was, has anyone seen shedding after taking iron, and did it later subside?

Thanks

hls20 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

Chris

08.08.2008, 12:31

@ hls20
Iron levels up, but shedding increased
Post reply

Well, my initial diagnosis for hl was low ferritin. That was almost 4 years ago. I still shed but it seems to be a seasonal thing as I really only shed during the summer months. This shedding is massive. Around 200 after washing. I have lost 75% of my hair.

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

tazmepeg

10.08.2008, 10:10

@ Chris
Chris
Post reply

� Well, my initial diagnosis for hl was low ferritin. That was almost 4
� years ago. I still shed but it seems to be a seasonal thing as I really
� only shed during the summer months. This shedding is massive. Around 200
� after washing. I have lost 75% of my hair.

I think you said that you live in Michigan right? Do you have any endos or gynos that you could possibly refer me to? I have ongoing CTE and need to get to the bottom of this, but I need a doc that will be willing to help me figure this out? Thanks!

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

Chris

10.08.2008, 13:04

@ tazmepeg
Chris
Post reply

Hi taz,
Yes, I live in Michigan. I have been seeing an endo but he is clueless about the hairloss. I told him that's initally why I was seeing him. I get my blood checked every 6 months and have an appt. with him because he's watching out for Hashimotos for me. So far, he said everything looks good and I get copies of all of my test results. From everything I've read they are still normal as he says. If you're interested his name is Dr. Edward J. Kryshak and he is in Grand Rapids. Phone # is 616-459-8338.
I went to see a Gyn. who specializes in peri/menopause and basically told her I thought that maybe my hl was due to fluctuating hormones since I had some peri symptoms. (She really wasn't familiar with hairloss either.) I asked her to put me on Yasmin (since I read Dr. Redmond's book) and she was very willing to do that for me. Her name is Dr. Barbara DePree and she is in Holland. Her number is 616-355-3865. Let me know if you make any appointments. Maybe we could even meet and I could show you what thin wispy hair I have. Ugh!

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

tazmepeg

10.08.2008, 20:32

@ Chris
Chris
Post reply

�Thanks Chris! I thought maybe you lived around the Detroit metro area. I guess I will do more searching over here. It's hard to see an endo with out having a referral from my doctor. When I tell them its because of hairloss, the receptionist just writes me off. I'll let you know what happens! thanks so much anyways!!!

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

Chris

10.08.2008, 21:15

@ tazmepeg
Chris
Post reply

Maybe if you tell your doc that you are having mild thyroid symptoms,even if you're not (rather than hairloss) they will refer you to an endo. I've had some hypothyroid symptoms, but like I said, according to my endo, I'm okay.
Good luck to you and let me know how it goes!
Chris

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

hls20

10.08.2008, 23:56

@ Chris
Iron levels up, but shedding increased
Post reply

� Well, my initial diagnosis for hl was low ferritin. That was almost 4
� years ago. I still shed but it seems to be a seasonal thing as I really
� only shed during the summer months. This shedding is massive. Around 200
� after washing. I have lost 75% of my hair.

Thanks for the reply. I am hoping Spiro works for me!

hls20 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO

HairSite Admin

30.11.2008, 11:35

@ hls20
Iron levels up, but shedding increased
Post reply

Iron deficiency is not the only cause for TE. There are a number of triggers which can cause TE which include hypothyroidism, BCP, surgery, stress etc.

HairSite Admin is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
---
I offer research assistance for HairSite.
email: hairsite@aol.com for free consultations
=====================================
reminder:
1. FREE Hair Replacement System Worldwide

hls20 15.07.2008, 01:45	Iron levels up, but shedding increased (Anemia & Hair Loss) Post reply
	Hi, I have been taking 100 mg of iron daily since April and raised my ferritin levels from 19 to 55. Still continuing on the iron pills. My problem is that the shedding has increased over the past 3 months (from 30-40 per day to 100-150 per day). 100 may look normal to some, but I don't have much to loose on my head anymore. I've been suffering hairloss since i was 20; i'm 25 now, and have lost 50% of hair already. I got a scalp biopsy done, and was diagnosed as having TE, but my dermatologist put me on Spiro as my androgen levels are slightly elevated as well. My question is, does increase in ferritin level gave anyone an inital shed? Please reply. hls20 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
megan 17.07.2008, 12:21 @ hls20	Iron levels up, but shedding increased Post reply
	Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens when you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. I would have your zinc levels checked. Take Care megan is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
megan 17.07.2008, 12:28 @ megan	Iron levels up, but shedding increased Post reply
	Also, like Rae said below - eat alot of protein - especially red meat at every meal. megan is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
delilah 17.07.2008, 15:35 @ megan	Iron levels up, but shedding increased Post reply
	� Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens when � you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. I � would have your zinc levels checked. � � Take Care Although the Spiro may cause an initial shed it's probably going to do a lot more good than the iron will for your hair in the long run. Ferritin of 55 is terrific it really doesn't need to be any higher than that. If you have a slightly elevated androgen level raising the iron is not going to decrease the shed but lowering the androgens probably will. Good diet is always important but the diet alone isn't going to change much either if you have normal eating habits. delilah is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
JL 18.07.2008, 17:33 @ megan	Spiro can cause hair loss?? Post reply
	This is the first time I've heard that! Please tell me more. I've been on Spiro for 9 months and the loss continues in a big way. In fact, it's accelerated. I have half the hair I had a year ago. Do you have studies or reports that confirm that spiro CAUSES hair loss??? If I find out I've been taking something for 9 months that made it worse...I don't know what I'm going to do. I am on the absolute edge at the moment. I'm shedding 300-400 hairs/day. My scalp is visible from every angle. I haven't left the house in almost 3 weeks. Please tell me the spiro isn't making it worse. I feel sick. � Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens when � you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. I � would have your zinc levels checked. � � Take Care JL is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
delilah 19.07.2008, 06:17 @ JL	Spiro can cause hair loss?? Post reply
	� This is the first time I've heard that! Please tell me more. I've been on � Spiro for 9 months and the loss continues in a big way. In fact, it's � accelerated. I have half the hair I had a year ago. � � Do you have studies or reports that confirm that spiro CAUSES hair loss??? � If I find out I've been taking something for 9 months that made it � worse...I don't know what I'm going to do. I am on the absolute edge at the � moment. I'm shedding 300-400 hairs/day. My scalp is visible from every � angle. I haven't left the house in almost 3 weeks. � � Please tell me the spiro isn't making it worse. I feel sick. � � � � � Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens � when � � you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. � I � � would have your zinc levels checked. � � � � Take Care I've never read that they cause HL only that they may cause an initial shed. What dose are you and are you on any othe meds? Doubt the zinc can do much but can't hurt either. Most women seem to get some good results with Spiro. delilah is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
hls20 08.08.2008, 03:38 @ megan	Iron levels up, but shedding increased Post reply
	� Spiro can cause hair loss. I would go off spiro and see what happens when � you get your iron levels to 100+. Low zinc can also cause hair loss. I � would have your zinc levels checked. � � Take Care Hi, Thanks for the reply. I've only started taking Spiro a month ago. My recent history is: Started Minoxidil in Dec-07 (once every night). Went thru the 'dread-shed' in Dec-07-Jan-08. Then hairloss stablized (20-50 per day)....no regrowth though. Still continuing on Minox. Diagnosed as low in iron in Feb. Started Iron (130mg) in Mar. Hairloss still the same. Shedding increased in May to 60-80, and has gradually increased to 100+ now. I am seeing small hair growing for the past 1-2 months. (I don't think i saw that before, unless I didn't notice). Don't know if this is due to Minox or Iron?? Diagnosed as having TE in Jun. But the derm told me that I can try Spiro cuz the androgens are on the higher end of the range. Started Spiro a month ago. In gist, my hair is lesser than what it was in Dec. I have been using toppik since Jan and it worked beautifully. But if the shedding continues, in 2-3 months, toppik won't be of much help. My question was, has anyone seen shedding after taking iron, and did it later subside? Thanks hls20 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Chris 08.08.2008, 12:31 @ hls20	Iron levels up, but shedding increased Post reply
	Well, my initial diagnosis for hl was low ferritin. That was almost 4 years ago. I still shed but it seems to be a seasonal thing as I really only shed during the summer months. This shedding is massive. Around 200 after washing. I have lost 75% of my hair. Chris is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
tazmepeg 10.08.2008, 10:10 @ Chris	Chris Post reply
	� Well, my initial diagnosis for hl was low ferritin. That was almost 4 � years ago. I still shed but it seems to be a seasonal thing as I really � only shed during the summer months. This shedding is massive. Around 200 � after washing. I have lost 75% of my hair. I think you said that you live in Michigan right? Do you have any endos or gynos that you could possibly refer me to? I have ongoing CTE and need to get to the bottom of this, but I need a doc that will be willing to help me figure this out? Thanks! tazmepeg is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Chris 10.08.2008, 13:04 @ tazmepeg	Chris Post reply
	Hi taz, Yes, I live in Michigan. I have been seeing an endo but he is clueless about the hairloss. I told him that's initally why I was seeing him. I get my blood checked every 6 months and have an appt. with him because he's watching out for Hashimotos for me. So far, he said everything looks good and I get copies of all of my test results. From everything I've read they are still normal as he says. If you're interested his name is Dr. Edward J. Kryshak and he is in Grand Rapids. Phone # is 616-459-8338. I went to see a Gyn. who specializes in peri/menopause and basically told her I thought that maybe my hl was due to fluctuating hormones since I had some peri symptoms. (She really wasn't familiar with hairloss either.) I asked her to put me on Yasmin (since I read Dr. Redmond's book) and she was very willing to do that for me. Her name is Dr. Barbara DePree and she is in Holland. Her number is 616-355-3865. Let me know if you make any appointments. Maybe we could even meet and I could show you what thin wispy hair I have. Ugh! Chris is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
tazmepeg 10.08.2008, 20:32 @ Chris	Chris Post reply
	�Thanks Chris! I thought maybe you lived around the Detroit metro area. I guess I will do more searching over here. It's hard to see an endo with out having a referral from my doctor. When I tell them its because of hairloss, the receptionist just writes me off. I'll let you know what happens! thanks so much anyways!!! tazmepeg is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
Chris 10.08.2008, 21:15 @ tazmepeg	Chris Post reply
	Maybe if you tell your doc that you are having mild thyroid symptoms,even if you're not (rather than hairloss) they will refer you to an endo. I've had some hypothyroid symptoms, but like I said, according to my endo, I'm okay. Good luck to you and let me know how it goes! Chris Chris is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
hls20 10.08.2008, 23:56 @ Chris	Iron levels up, but shedding increased Post reply
	� Well, my initial diagnosis for hl was low ferritin. That was almost 4 � years ago. I still shed but it seems to be a seasonal thing as I really � only shed during the summer months. This shedding is massive. Around 200 � after washing. I have lost 75% of my hair. Thanks for the reply. I am hoping Spiro works for me! hls20 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO
HairSite Admin 30.11.2008, 11:35 @ hls20	Iron levels up, but shedding increased Post reply
	Iron deficiency is not the only cause for TE. There are a number of triggers which can cause TE which include hypothyroidism, BCP, surgery, stress etc. HairSite Admin is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO --- I offer research assistance for HairSite. email: hairsite@aol.com for free consultations ===================================== reminder: 1. FREE Hair Replacement System Worldwide