ANALYSIS OF SERUM VITAMIN D, IRON, AND FERRITIN LEVELS IN DIFFUSE HAIR LOSS AMONG PRE- AND POST-MENOPAUSAL FEMALES
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Keywords
Diffuse hair loss, Vitamin D deficiency, Iron deficiency, Ferritin, Pre-menopausal, Post-menopausal, Women, Nutritional assessment.
Abstract
Introduction: Diffuse hair loss is a common complaint among women, often influenced by nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D and iron. Identifying these deficiencies can guide effective management.
Aims: To assess serum vitamin D, iron, and ferritin levels in pre- and post-menopausal women presenting with diffuse hair loss.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from the August 2022- October 2025 year, in the Department of Biochemistry at Index Medical College, Indore. The study included 200 pre- and post-menopausal women presenting with diffuse hair loss to the dermatology outpatient department. Participants with scarring alopecia, systemic illnesses affecting hair growth, or those on medications influencing hair or mineral metabolism were excluded.
Results: In this study of 200 women with diffuse hair loss, post-menopausal women showed a significantly higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to pre-menopausal women, along with significantly lower mean serum vitamin D levels. Low serum ferritin levels were significantly more common among pre-menopausal women, whereas no significant difference was observed in normal or elevated ferritin levels between the groups. Serum iron status did not differ significantly between pre- and post-menopausal women, with comparable distributions of low, normal, and high iron levels in both groups.
Conclusion: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamin D and iron, are prevalent among women with diffuse hair loss. Early detection and correction of these deficiencies can play a crucial role in management and hair regrowth.
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Dr Savita Rathore
Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Mahaveer Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MIMS) Bhopal (M.P) India. Email - [email protected]
Shipra Mathur
PhD Scholar, Department of Biochemistry, Index Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, (M.P) India (Malwanchal University) Email –[email protected]
Debij Kumar Mehta
PhD Scholar, Department of Biochemistry, Index Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, (M.P) India. (Malwanchal University) Email – [email protected]
