Ferritin levels

[sarahlou1801]

I have had a ferritin result and it showed my levels to be 40.3. I have been suffering with a thinning hair line and the Dr's believe I have discoid lupus or lichen planus of the scalp. I already have primary aps the Dr has advised I use betnavate lotion on my head and iron supplement to get my levels above 70. Is 40.3 low then....still awaiting biopsy result from 7 weeks ago and blood test for antibodies 11 weeks ago.

[MaryF Administrator]

It is really good that they have picked this up, also get them to look at your levels of B12 and also vitamin D, and crucially also your Thyroid, unfortunately the TSH test is not terribly reliable, took years for mine to show up on there but, it can also if out of kilter cause thinning hair and actual hair loss, if they are already doing the other tests it will not be any trouble to add the additional blood panel on. MaryF

[sarahlou1801 in reply to MaryF]

Thanks Mary have mentioned it before they didn't seem to want to test the other things but will mention,it again...I have put myself on a b12 supplement as the Dr said it won't hurt to do so

[sarahlou1801]

Thanks for your response I'm awaiting biopsy and blood test results got a follow up app but not till June will mention all that you have both advised. Will contact Dr about iron supplement too to make sure I am on enough. Have to go hospital for repeat ferritin test this week

[milkwoman]

40.3 is low, most folks feel better when it is 80 or 100. I'm currently trying to raise my level (I have lupus and Sjogren's and am hypo). I know I will feel better when my level is higher.

[sarahlou1801 in reply to milkwoman]

Thanks milkwoman the gp said 40.3 was fine then the hospital said no it wasn't that's what confused me they said they want it at least 70 but preferably more

[milkwoman in reply to sarahlou1801]

Yeah, my GP said 19 for me was "fine" since it was "in range". I knew better.

[sarahlou1801 in reply to milkwoman]

That's why I'm so grateful for this site

[milkwoman in reply to sarahlou1801]

Me, too!