Hair loss - Can you ever significantly raise ferritin levels through diet?

[Toffeepineapple]

Hi,

I can't seem to get my levels up above 24 and this is no doubt what is causing my hair loss. All other tests have come back normal.

I've really tried ramping up my iron intake naturally, so lots of leafy greens, red meats etc, alongside a ferrous fumarate tablet every 2 or 3 days and Floradix and hair/nail vitamins, which also contain a small amount of iron. I usually have a bit of orange juice with the Floradix to help absorption.

I'm not sure I can do any more. My GP says I should concentrate on the cause, I.e, my extremely heavy periods and look at slowing or stopping through medication or the Mirena coil, but I'm really not keen on that idea. Saying that, I am getting quite desperate, as my hair loss doesn't appear to be slowing and it's making me very self conscious

Can I have a private iron infusion on my levels? I assumed not, but after doing a bit of research, I've managed to confuse myself and now I'm not sure.

TIA

Hi OP
Yes you can. The Iron Clinic has given me infusions with a mid 20's ferritin level. They suggest ferritin should be a minimum of 50 but ideally over 100. I have been to the Cambridge clinic but there is one in London too.

Thanks @Houseparty. It's something I'd be very nervous about tbh. There are some horror stories out there regarding allergic reactions.

I was advised to take ferrograd c tablets, you need the vitamin c to absorb the iron. I was diagnosed low ferritin and got the level up but no change to hair loss. Try a dermatologist for the best help.

@Toffeepineapple You should really follow your doctor’s advice re managing the cause. The amount of iron supplements you are taking are nowhere near enough what you need to get your ferritin up.

Have you been scanned for fibroids because they would cause the heavy bleeding? You need proper help fast because after a while hair follicles scar and become useless. In the meantime something called Boost and Blend sold on Amazon is helpful to hide the problem.

@Lionclock, nobody will refer me to a dermatologist because I don't have any balance patches and because they believe they know the cause of my hair loss. I've had an abdonscan to check mt ovaries etc, but not sure fibroids would show up.

Yes you can! This stuff is amazing and sorted put my anaemia www.amazon.co.uk/Ancestral-Supplements-Grass-Liver-Desiccated/dp/B01MSBZYQW?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

You need to try a high strength oral iron before a transfusion i would think. There are risks with an infusion and shouldn’t be jumped into.

Can you take tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding whilst taking a prescription level iron to see if that does anything?

*bald patches
*abdominal scan
*my

@Superfoodie123, I've never heard of that. I actually quite like liver and keep meaning to stick on the weekly shop. I'll be the only one who eats it though

Is beef liver more iron rich? I'd be nervous taking a high strength vit a supplement, as I think too much can be quite dangerous. Will look into it though!

@Hardchoices, actually I was just reading about tranexamic acid (again) and it does sound incredible for some! I thought it was something you had to take every day and not just on your period. Would I be able to take it if I already have large (and lots) of clots? Sorry if TMI. From what I read, that could be a problem.

I agree that you need reduce the blood loss, or you are going to be constantly topping up.
I had a coil fitted two weeks ago for exactly the same reason. I was shocked at how easy it was, should have done it years ago.

Can you reduce or cut out dairy? Ideally don’t take your iron pills with dairy either— you don’t have to give it up completely, but it can inhibit iron absorption. Estrogen dominance can also cause heavy periods, is it worth exploring that to try and resolve the heavy period issue? My period was heavy to the point of anemia when I was overweight post baby because of all the extra estrogen (and baby taking my iron). Also there’s some interaction between vitamin b12 and iron absorption, Might also be worth exploring. Good luck

@GoodnightGrandma, I really struggle with smear. Find them borderline excruciating and the nurse often has to have several failed attempts, so the thought of the coil fills me with dread tbh. I'm really glad it's worked well for you though .

@littlejalapeno, I actually don't have very much. I was actually thinking the other day that I probably need to increase it. I don't have caffeine with any of my iron supplements though.

I second The Iron Clinic. They have lots of useful info on their website. I have had two infusions now without issue. They are very careful and you are monitored the whole time. I'm also using tranexamic acid for the heavy days of my period to good effect. My hair loss has completely resolved. Good luck.

Oh and I pass lots of large clots too. Never had an issue with tranexamic acid. Cut my blood loss massively. Definitely worth a try!

The injection can stop your periods if you don't want the coil. As can any pill really. Don't get railroaded into long term contraception if that's not what you want.

I had similar and I went on the injection for a year to stop my periods and get my iron levels back up. I think you need better tablets. I was on 3 a day at one point.