Why does iron deficiency cause hair loss?

Gradually thinning hair as you age and hereditary is normal. While hair loss—especially when it happens sudden or at a young age, isn’t only caused by male-pattern baldness, but also caused by nutrients or iron deficiencies and certain medical conditions. Hair loss can affect adults and children of all genders and can be permanent or temporary.

When you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t produce the hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin carries oxygen for the growth and repair of cells in your body, including the cells that stimulate hair growth. While severe iron deficiency anemia can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and hair loss.

Hair loss may be related to iron deficiency, as hair follicle cells can be sensitive to decrease levels of iron and may not be able to grow new cells effectively when iron stores are low. For more tests and researches about iron deficiency and hair loss relationships, please refer to this article.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include

• brittle nails

• extreme fatigue or lack of energy

• fast heartbeat

• pale skin

• shortness of breath

• sore tongue

In addition to hair loss, fatigue and cold hands and feet can be signs of both low thyroid and iron deficiency. These conditions are readily diagnosed with a simple blood test. They can be easily corrected, either with replacement thyroid hormones or iron supplements.

How to treat iron deficiency and hair loss?

Treatments for iron deficiency anemia include:

Iron supplements and injection-

It can help your body to restore iron by taking iron supplement daily. If you have severe anemic, doctor may recommend you iron injections to raise iron levels. You should talk to doctors about these treatment options.

Dietary changes- 

Be sure to fill up on iron-rich foods like spinach, peas, lean proteins－like pork, salmon, dried fruit; Add foods with high vitamin C to your diet－like oranges, strawberries, melons, tomatoes.

For hair loss problems, there are some available procedures:

-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Studies have shown that laser treatment works on hair growth in both men and women. Stimulating hair follicles with Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) of specific wavelength 650nm is safe, effective and painless for patients and has positive results.

–Minoxidil

Minoxidil, applied topically, is widely used for the treatment of hair loss. It is effective in helping promote hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia regardless of sex. Scientists think that this medication allows hair to stay in the growth phase for longer.Minoxidil must be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair follicles and the maintenance of any experienced hair regrowth.

-Surgery Techniques

Hair transplantation surgery can help restore your hair by move your hair already have (from the donor site) to fill an area with thin or no hair. 

Outlook

If you’re experiencing unusual amounts of hair loss despite dietary changes, it may be time to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Losing hair due to iron deficiency should only last temporarily. It’s always a good idea to visit your doctor to discuss treatment options and get you on the path to optimal health quickly. Your doctor can help you change your diet to get the right amount of iron for your needs.