Iron Deficiency Hair Loss Causes Symptoms How To Treat It

Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen to our entire body. Low hemoglobin levels mean reduced oxygen levels in the body. Iron deficiency is more common among women. A poor diet, heavy menstruation, and pregnancy are a few major causes of iron deficiency in women. The symptoms of iron deficiency are discussed in the next section.

Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency

The symptoms of iron deficiency could be mild, which is one reason many women fail to notice them. These include (2):

Weakness Pale skin Dizziness Fatigue Cravings for unusual items like ice or dirt Swelling or soreness of the tongue Tingling feeling in the legs Headache Irregular heartbeat

Could hair loss be one of the symptoms of iron deficiency? Let us understand.

Can Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Research linking iron deficiency and hair loss is limited. However, some studies do state that hair loss treatment could be enhanced when iron deficiency is treated (3). Hair loss, whether caused by iron deficiency or otherwise, can be distressing. The following section discusses certain potential treatments for hair loss associated with iron deficiency. We suggest you talk to your doctor before taking any medications or supplements. Lisa, a hair care enthusiast and a YouTuber, discusses how she was finding the cause of her hair loss for 20 years and found out that it was due to iron deficiency. She shares that she has been taking her iron supplements regularly for three months. She further states, “I think my hair has f. I was able to raise my ferritin to an acceptable level enough that my hair is growing back (i).”

1. Iron Supplements

Researchers have seen that iron might be a great component for hair growth. Iron deficiency or not, if you are experiencing hair loss, iron supplements might help in combating hair loss. However, consult a doctor before taking iron supplements and discuss briefly all the benefits and side effects of iron supplements (4).

2. Dietary Changes

A diet rich in iron may help combat hair loss associated with iron deficiency. Foods like red meat, fish, chicken, and green vegetables are rich in iron.

3. Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a popular over-the-counter hair growth medication used by those experiencing male and female pattern hair loss. This medication helps encourage hair growth. However, it may take a long time to show promising results (5).

4. Vitamin C

Increase the intake of vitamin C for maximum iron absorption. Dietary iron absorption involves two types: heme iron, found in hemoglobin and myoglobin, is well-absorbed independently of meal composition. Nonheme iron, the primary dietary source, is significantly influenced by meal content. Vitamin C notably enhances nonheme iron absorption, counteracting inhibitors like tea and calcium/phosphate. Its impact is less pronounced in meat-rich meals. Iron absorption from plant-based meals correlates with vitamin C quantity. Soluble inorganic iron absorption parallels nonheme iron, with vitamin C having a limited effect on insoluble iron compounds like ferric oxide. Vitamin C may help iron absorption by creating a soluble chelate with ferric iron (6). Therefore, a person with iron deficiency-induced hair loss must incorporate vitamin C in their diet (7). Does hair grow back after correcting iron deficiency? Possibly. Once your serum ferritin (iron) levels are back to the normal baseline values, chances are your hair may regrow. However, this can take a long time and it is advised to seek medical help. What does iron deficiency hair loss look like? Iron deficiency could worsen or lead to female pattern hair loss. Thus, iron deficiency hair loss could look like hair thinning on the top and crown of the head (7). Will taking iron help my hair grow? Possibly. If your hair loss is related to low ferritin levels, taking iron supplements may boost hair growth. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements. The video below shares a YouTuber’s journey with hair loss and iron deficiency. Now you can conquer hair loss hurdles as well and make your way to healthier, fuller hair. Click play now to check out how!