MCV and MCH are Low

I recently went to a dermatologist because my hair is thinning and falling out. I'm a 24 female with no history of family hair loss besides uncles in their 50's, which to me is probably normal for them. I was tested for cbc, thyroid, ana and others. Everything came back in the normal range except MCV at 77 and MCH at 24.9.

My mother and sister are both have anemia. Does this result mean anemia as well? I am very confused. I have been on birth control pills for 5 years, and I randomly take b12 and b6 because my dr. told me BC can cause deficiency. The dermatologist told me to stop the pill, but it's really something I don't want to do. Can anyone help?

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Hair Loss and Anemia
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Andrea,

Please see my page on MCV Blood Test to see what MCV Levels mean.

Your anemia is VERY likely (one of the) causes of your hair loss. Ferritin levels (a sort of 'pre iron' level are the only real lab value that's ever been associated with female hair loss- and replacing iron often DOES allow hair to grow back again.

But what's interesting is that you have anemia for no apparent reason and a family history of anemia for no reason. Anemia without a good cause for it is a DEFINITE Symptom of Gluten Sensitivity. While your doctor would shrug this off and say it's unlikely, the research CLEARLY indicates that anemia without a cause is a reason to test for Celiac Disease.

Unfortunately, Diagnosing Gluten Allergy is NOT straightforward and I can almost guarantee that your labs will come back normal and you'll be in the same position as before.

A better idea is to simply go on a gluten free diet, get on a HIGH QUALITY multivitamin supplement like Jigsaw Health's Multivitamin and Mineral Pack and start eating Bone Broth on a daily basis to get trace minerals, amino acids and SILICA that can help to build your hair up again- and talk to your doctor about an iron supplement.

Try that for a couple of months and reevaluate if it has helped you out...

Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System

Low mcv and mch
by: Anonymous

Hi i'm a 55 year old AAF i had a recent colonoscopy which was normal however my blood work showed low mcv and mch. Should i be concerned. My GI Dr is now ordering more labs...acute hepatitis panel..cbc w diff w plt...B12 and folate..Iron and IBC

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