Expert: Peter J. Panagotacos, <B>M.D.</B> - 10/19/2006

Question
Dr. Panagotacos, my 14-year-old daughter (Caucasian) has been been experiencing hair thinning for approximately a year.  Her pediatrician and dermatologist have run anemia, thyroid, free testosterone and DHEAS tests--they came back normal.  However, when I requested to have her Ferritin level tested, it came back at 16 ng/mL.  She has also been using 2% Rogaine for the past 6 months.  It is hard to tell if this has stimulated any perceptible hair growth.  Would she be a suitable candidate for iron supplementation?  If so, should she continue with using Rogaine?  Also, should she taking any other supplements to absorb the iron if this does indeed seem appropriate? Are there any other tests that should be run to check for any other underlying medical conditions? Thank you for any insight you may be able to provide.

-Very concerned parent

Answer
Rogaine has little to do in her over all therapy. It will make some of the hairs grow thicker while shw is using it but it does not get to the cause. Her serum ferritin should be over 70. A good daily dose to start with is ferrous sulfate 325mg with Vit C 500. If her thyroid is low normal then ask if she can have some supplement along with her ferrous sulfate. It may take 6 months before you begin to see results.
  Why is she low in iron? She should be checked to make sure she is not having excessivly heavy periods and to see if she has a problem with GI absorption of iron.