I’m Taking Iron Supplements, But After 3 Months My Hair Has Gotten Worse

(female)
I’m really hoping someone will be able to help me out. I am 24 years old. Over the past 8 months or so I have had a few medical problems ranging from headaches, joint pain and severe hair loss. I have seen my primary, who then referred me to a rheumatologist. She was concerned about my ANA but ruled out Lupus. She referred me to a dermatologist. He informed me that my iron absorption level was low, and put me on an iron supplement, which I have been taking for three months.

My hair has gotten worse. I use to have thick curly hair. I have such thin hair now that you can see my scalp no matter what I do. It is extremely depressing. I’m only 24 years old and I fear I am going to lose all my hair. I am married and have a 5 year old son and a full time job, so like any other person I have stress, but I am not so overcome with it that I feel that is the reason this is happening to me. I do not have a family history of hair loss. I don’t know what to do. I’m 24; I can’t believe I am going through this. Please help me.

The best help I can offer is to tell you to consider seeing a doctor for your issues, including your depression and stress.

With respect to your hair loss issues, I cannot diagnose you or even offer a treatment (since I have not examined you or know exactly what is going on). Iron deficiency is known to cause hair loss, but I couldn’t say if that’s the cause of your loss. Continue the iron supplements for a good year or so, as it does take time to reverse any deficiency.