Hair loss from scalp among women: Does serum levels of iron, cobalamin and folic acid matter?

Abstract

Introduction: Hair fall from the scalp is a common complaint by females attending a dermatologist’s out-patient clinic. The most common cause is telogen effluvium and the most common pattern is chronic diffuse non-scarring hair fall from the scalp. Objectives: The aim of our study was to analyze deficiency status and correlate hemoglobin, ferritin, cobalamin, folic acid in females of reproductive age group. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study was conducted in the DVL department of a tertiary care medical college hospital between 2018-2019. Clinical and demographic data were collected and hemoglobin, ferritin, cobalamin, folic acid levels were investigated. Results: A total of 85 patients were studied. Mean Hemoglobin was found at 11.92 g/dl and Anemia was recorded at 59.32%. Ferritin levels were lower than normal in 90% of the cases. Folate levels were in the normal range in the majority of our cases. Cobalamin was deficient in 50% of our patients. Conclusion: Ferritin and cobalamin levels were better indicators than hemoglobin levels alone in assessing chronic nonscarring hair loss from the scalp in females of reproductive age group.