Ferritin Levels/Hair Loss/Thyroid

[MurphysMama]

Good morning

I have started to loose my hair and the doctor is insistent its not a change in my thyroid levels, although my TSH has changed over the last couple of readings.

So I was told to have a ferritin test and take vitamin D, I also take B12. Thinking that it would be low hence the hair loss, it is in actual fact completely the opposite, but I can't get the doctor to tell me what this might mean, I was just told, repeat the test in 6 weeks.

Has anyone else had this, Dr Google is quite concerning when you look up high Ferritin

Thank you, Sara

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Ferritin can rise if you have any inflammation or have recently been fighting a cold etc...

How are your sex hormones? They also effect hair lose along with low protein diet etc... how are your latest thyroid levels looking?

Looking at your last results you are very under replaced... Free T4 (fT4) 14.2 pmol/L (12 - 22) 22.0%

[MurphysMama in reply to TiggerMe]

thank you for your reply - I haven’t had any cold/flu or any sickness recently.

I have zero libido - I tried hrt a good while ago but it didn’t change anything - all the doc could say was it’s menopause and did I want anti depressants- am considering now TRT as I read good things abit it.

I have also just started to take 25mg of Levo myself as again doctor is not prepared to raise it as ‘I am in range’

I feel like a snow globe that’s settled to the bottom 😊

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to MurphysMama]

Good for you 👏 you certainly need an increase... honestly some GP's are 💩

When you tried the HRT did you get testosterone too or is that what you mean by TRT?? If so I'm a fan it gives you a bit more muscle power, grit and resilience I feel... and probably libido too if that's what floats your boat 😏

[MurphysMama in reply to TiggerMe]

I did have testogel once I had reached 100mg patches and was considered fully oestrogenised. It did not alot for me at all.

Have been researching Testosterone Replacement Therapy - such as femtest, it appears to have good results for many menopause symptoms.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to MurphysMama]

Testosterone takes a good few months to take effect for some up to 6 months

[greygoose]

TSH doesn't cause symptoms whether it's high or low. But, if your TSH has changed, then your thyroid hormone levels have probably changed - assuming you always get your blood draw at the same time of day - either FT4 or FT3 or both. Have you had either of those tested in the last couple of tests?

When ferritin is tested, CRP - C-Reactive Protein - should also always be tested. CRP is an indicator of inflammation levels. And, as TiggerMe says, if inflammation is high, so will ferritin. But, it's a false high, so good to know about that.

Same thing happened to me. I lost my hair - all of it! - and asked the doctor to test ferritin (I also asked for serum iron, but he tole me ferritin and iron were the same thing!!!) Came back that ferritin was slightly over-range - which he called 'perfect'! - but so was CRP. But he didn't even seem to know what that was, let alone the connection. (Wonder why he tested it, then. lol)

[MurphysMama in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your reply - I had a test in October

Blood results

[greygoose in reply to MurphysMama]

Your FT4 is very low. And, if your FT4 is low, you're FT3 is going to be even lower. And it's low T3 that causes hypo symptoms. So, as SlowDragon says, you need an increase in dose, and you need it now.

[MurphysMama in reply to greygoose]

Thank you - I have started myself on another 25mg that takes me to 125mg Levo - I have had to do it myself as doctor refused and said I was in range 🤷‍♀️

[MurphysMama in reply to greygoose]

would you suggest taking T3 separately?

[greygoose in reply to MurphysMama]

Not at this point, no. Get your FT4 to a decent level - about 75% through the range - and then get your FT4 and FT3 tested together to see how well you convert. You might have a pleasant surprise.

[MurphysMama in reply to greygoose]

Ok thank you for the advice 🙂🙂

[greygoose in reply to MurphysMama]

You're welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

FT4: 14.2 pmol/l (Range 11 - 22)

Ft4 only 29.09% through range

You are in desperate need of dose increase in levothyroxine

Most people, on only levothyroxine need Ft4 at least 60-70% through range

Insist on 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine

Retest in 6-8 weeks

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Also get FULL iron panel test

And tes5 B12, folate and vitamin D

[Ruby1]

A late comment, but I just wanted to mention that I came across a YouTube video and that said that age and gender are a factor, and menopausal women are often higher than 200, which I found interesting and reassuring. I'm sorry I didn't save the link. Mine is currently 280 (your post came up when I searched high ferritin). The top of the reference range does seem to vary between 150 and 200 for women - it is 200 on my results.

I believe it is a sign of inflammation... if it isn't a sign of iron overload (in which case it can go to 1000, and that is a worry!). I'm currently awaiting a full iron panel. I believe too much iron can also cause hair loss (I've had that too).

I'm interested to know how you got on. I had to point out to my GP that mine was high 🙄 Did it change after 6 weeks?