Anemia and hair loss connected? - Hair Loss / Alopecia Message Board

Dawnrise · 05-30-2002, 06:26 PM

I have psoriatic arthritis and was taking methotrexate. I was also diagnosed with anemia. After taking this drug for awhile I started to lose my hair so my doctor took me off of it. But I still continue to lose my hair even after being off of it for many months. Could the anemia actually be causing my hair to fall out instead of the methotrexate? If not, what else could be causing my hair loss? Help!!

maybechel · 06-05-2002, 07:04 AM

anemia (low iron levels) definitely is a major cause of hair falling out. though there are other factors that can come in to play as well.
i had anemia for years and my hair always seemed to be falling out more than it should. got worse after being pregnant and read on the internet somewhere that lack of iron is a cause.
anyway, started taking an iron supplement (cenovis iron plus, which includes other minerals and vitamins) and within 4-6 weeks notices an improvement. it's been 5 months since i started taking them and my hair hasn't been this thick in years. it even starts growing back.
try taking iron supplements and see how you go. it does take a little while before there is a noticable change though so have patience.

good luck

rika · 07-14-2002, 06:34 AM

Thank God someone posted this because I have been wondering about it. My hair falls out in fistfulls sometimes and it gets really scary. I'm just gonna continue taking my iron and hope that it stops. Thanks for the info!

jgates · 07-14-2002, 09:05 AM

My doctor found low B 12 count which can cause anemia if it is not caught in time. She ask me if my hair was falling out checking for symptoms. Maybe have your B 12 checked.

Dawnrise · 07-17-2002, 03:53 PM

I had an appointment with my rhuematologist and I asked him if the low iron had anything to do with the hair loss and he said "not likely". He says my hormones are probably going through a change (being my age, and all) and that's a good possibility. I really have no idea but continue to take my iron and hoping for the best. I have also read numerous other reasons, including, but not limited to, birth control and estrogen pills, diabetic, heart disease and acne medications.