Anyone have a normal H/H and a low ferretin level?

[Elle23]

I went to the doctor a month or two ago to see about my hair loss (I've been before, but wanted another opinion). When I was there, the doctor checked a hemaglobin and hematocrit, which both came back in the normal range (she apparently didn't check my ferretin level.)

I began taking iron about a year ago to see if it would help my hair loss. After the birth of 4 kids and heavy periods since, I figured a normal supplement wouldn't hurt. After a few months, I noticed my hair stopped shedding like it had been.

However, I stopped taking the iron supplements a couple of months ago, and I've started shedding again! :(

I was wondering if it's possible my iron actually is low even though my H/H came back normal? It just seems like too much of a coincidence that my hair is shedding again after stopping the iron.

[VictoriaG]

Hi, yes, it is possible. When I had my first complete bloodwork done after my hairloss started, my H & H were right in the middle of the normal range - yet my Ferritin was 29. The ferritin # is quite important - look at that as opposed to the H&H - at least that's what my doctors told me. About 5 months ago I started taking iron in the form of ferrous sulfate. I haven't had my blood checked since then, though. I also take it in conjunction with lysine which is supposed to help absorption.
This is not to say that stopping the iron caused your shedding to start up again, but it does seem like a big coincidence...!!!

[Elle23]

Thanks Vicki.

Another odd thing I noticed is that I have been craving ice lately, which I haven't done in a long while (since I was pregnant, actually). I know this is a sign of anemia. I am not sure how long it would take for my iron levels to drop, but it's a strange occurance to happen in conjunction with the hair loss, esp. after stopping the iron.

I really thought my hair loss has slowed down. I can't even express how sad this makes me. :(

[VictoriaG]

I am so sorry. I sincerely hope you can get back on top of this. It stopped once, I hope you can get it to stop again. Good luck and be well.