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 Dr. Alan J. Bauman is the Founder, Medical Director and Chief Surgeon of the Bauman Medical Group, P.A. located in Wharfside at Boca Pointe in Boca Raton, Florida. His practice is dedicated exclusively to treating male and female pattern hair loss. Dr. Bauman uses state-of-the-art medical and surgical techniques to help his patients maintain and/or restore their scalp hair.
Joanna Johnson
2006-04-14
Iron deficiency or Female pattern hair loss?
Dear Sir,
I have had hair loss all over for almost two years now. The thinning is mainly in the two inch region behind my hairline (here I had lesser hair anyway). I have had all my hormone levels checked, all are normal including DHEA, free Testosterone etc. The only issue is that I have a low haemoglobin count, low ferririn level and small red blood cells (chronic Iron deficiency). 10 years ago, I also lost hair but most grew back. This time it appears to be longer and regrowth is slow although I do see new hair sprouting.
Can hormones be doing this and is this possibly female pattern or is my iron deficiency the likely culprit. Is the regrowth a positive sign even though it is slow? Help as I am losing my mind. I am just not sure what the reason is as my doctor said that even though my hormone levels are normal, female pattern cannot be ruled out because my hair follocles can be sensitive o even normal/low levels of androgens. Do you have some thoughts for me? Thanks...Joanna
Joanna,
Long-distance diagnosis is tricky at best. The most common reason for female hair loss is genetics. However, the genetic tendency toward female pattern loss is influenced by other factors: diet, nutrition, illness, medications, stress, age, etc.
Regardless of the cause, the most important advice I can give is to seek out a hair restoration physician (a specialist) who deals with female hair loss on a daily basis and who has effective therapies available.
Typically, we would use a combination of non-invasive and invasive treatments to help combat female pattern hair loss.
Sincerely,
Dr. B.
doctorb@baumanmedical.com
www.baumanmedical.com
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