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What Do My Lab Test Results Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 8 Oct 2016

Question: Hello Doctor,
I was dealing with a lot of hair loss. On getting tests done, the following results were obtained :
Serum Ferratin - 6.96
Hemoglobin - 10.5
PCOS - 10 to 15 premature cysts in the ovary

Please suggest what steps I should take. Is the iron level too low ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need some more information...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Your ultrasound scan revealed polycystic ovary features. In this context, I would like to know whether or not you have regular period? What is your current weight? And if you have any other problems besides hair loss?

Hair loss is a normal phenomena. We need not be concerned unless there are more than 100 hair strands falling per day. As you report of hair loss issue, I am assuming you are dealing with significant hair fall.
Excessive hair loss are caused by multiple factors. You current report revealed low iron stores (ferritin) with low hemoglobin and PCOS. All of these are responsible for hair loss. Correcting them should improve your condition.

I will be in a better position to discuss more after you provide more information I requested for.

Awaiting your reply...

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (20 minutes later)

Thank you for the reply.

Yes, I do have regular periods. Though the flow is only for 2-3 days. This has been the case for the last 2-3 months.
My weight is 47.5 kg (height 5.2).
There is no other major problem. Though I feel restless during the night sometimes, I feel extremely hot even when the weather is pleasant, skin has become pale, low stamina, breathlessness. I though all this is due to iron deficiency anemia.

Also, I had rheumatic fever when I was younger. I have taken penedior injection due to high ESR levels. The level has been in control for the past many years. However, I do have joint pain sometimes.

Please let me know if there is any other information that you need.

Thanks,
XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Treat with iron supplements and nutritional improvement.

Detailed Answer:
My comments are as follows:

1. As your menstrual cycles are regular and weight is in limits, you don't seem to be suffering with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Yes, your scan revealed poly cysts, however you don't have symptoms of the same. Unless your cycles are irregular, poly ovarian cysts needs no treatment.

2. You have low iron reserves (serum ferritin). This is also reflected as low hemoglobin. It can be directly responsible for hair fall. Hence correcting it with supplements is warranted. You should be started on iron pills like ferrous ascorbate tablet for 2-3 months. If ferritin value and hemoglobin doesn't improve, iron injections should be tried.

3. In addition, I will also encourage you to improve diet. Protein rich food along with biotin supplement (tab biotin) will added more benefits in the treatment of hair loss.

4. Make sure you have a dandruff free scalp. If you suffer from dandruff use good antidandruff shampoo.

5. Lastly autoimmune condition may also be a reason for hair fall. But as you complain of joint pains, this problem should be further explored by your doctor.

Hope this answered your question.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (7 hours later)

Thank you for your help.

I will surely improve my diet and continue with the medication I am already taking.

Thanks,
XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Add iron rich diet too...

Detailed Answer:
In addition to protein rich diet, you should also include iron rich diet - meat, liver, spinach, millets, dry fruits and so.

Hope all your concerns are addressed. If you have no more concerns, please close this discussion.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar