Can iron deficiency cause hair loss?

Hair loss (alopecia), is a condition that affects mostly men. It can, however, also affect women. It can occur due to many reasons, so understanding the causes, types, and treatments available is essential. Here, we will take a closer look at whether hair loss can be caused by iron deficiency.

🦠 Causes of hair loss

Hair loss can be caused by several factors, such as it being hereditary, stress, other medical conditions, and other medication you may be taking. Understanding the cause of your hair loss is important when treating your condition. Common causes of hair loss include:

Hereditary hair loss

The most common cause of hair loss is due to genetics, which can affect both men and women. Hair loss in men usually starts as a receding hairline and thinning of the hair on the top of the head. For women, however, hair thinning hair is over the entire scalp without a receding hairline.

Stress

Stress, both physical and emotional can cause a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. This is where hair enters the resting phase of growth (telogen phase). The result is an excessive amount of shedding of hair. This is usually only short-term, with hair growth returning to normal once the stress has cleared.

Other medical conditions

Hair loss can be a result of certain other medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata or lupus. Other conditions include changes in hormone levels, thyroid problems, ringworm of the scalp or anaemia. To treat the loss of hair, the underlying condition will need to be treated first.

Medications

Hair loss can be a side effect when treated with certain medications. Medication for cancer treatment, high blood pressure, arthritis and depression are all known to cause hair loss.

Nutrient deficiencies

Vitamin, nutrients and iron deficiencies have been linked to hair loss.

The connection between iron deficiency and hair loss

Clinical studies have shown that low iron levels can be linked to iron deficiency hair loss. When the body has low iron stores it can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to a condition known as telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss characterised by an increased shedding of hair due to a shift in the hair growth cycle.

An iron deficiency can disrupt the telogen phase of the hair cycle causing a higher percentage of hair follicles to enter this phase resulting in more hair being shed than normal. This may lead to noticeable hair thinning and hair loss. It’s also thought that the reduced ferritin levels (a blood protein that contains iron) in the hair follicles of iron-deficient individuals significantly weaken the hair follicles enough to lead to hair loss.

It’s important to note that iron deficiency anaemia is not the only cause of hair loss. Numerous factors can contribute to hair loss, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and certain medical conditions. Iron deficiency anaemia is a possible underlying factor of excessive hair shedding or thinning and is worth speaking to a healthcare professional about. The most beneficial treatment for anaemia is making sure you’re getting enough iron through good nutrition as well as a suitable iron supplement.

📝 Are there different types of hair loss?

There are different forms of hair loss, that depend on the cause and each person:

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenic alopecia is also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. This is the most common type of hair loss. It is genetic and tends to occur over some time. For men, it will start with a receding hairline and hair thinning at the crown. For female pattern hair loss, the hair will thin over the entire scalp without a receding hairline.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata appears as patchy hair loss, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing circular bald patches. Alopecia areata can lead to alopecia totalis, the total loss of hair on the scalp, or even alopecia universalis, the complete loss of hair from all parts of the body.

Telogen effluvium

This type of hair loss occurs due to stress, changes in the balance of hormones, or certain medical conditions. It causes an increase in hair shedding and thinning. This type of hair loss is usually reversible, once the underlying issue is resolved.

Tinea capitis

Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), is a fungal infection of the scalp and shafts of hair. This will often result in patchy hair loss, as well as itching, redness and scaling. Treatment requires antifungal medications to manage the condition effectively.

Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia is caused by wearing your hair tightly in pigtails, ponytails, or braids. Colouring or perming your hair can also damage your hair, which may also lead to hair loss.

Trichotillomania

This is a disorder that normally begins around puberty and continues through adulthood. The loss of hair is caused by the compulsive pulling and bending of hairs, leading potentially to permanent hair loss.

Anagen effluvium

This type of rapid hair loss usually occurs due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

🧪 Diagnosis of hair loss

Diagnosis will require an examination of your scalp, your medical history and your family history. Blood tests may also be carried out to identify any medical conditions or deficiencies that may be contributing to your hair loss.

Here are some of the things that may be done if low levels of iron are suspected for hair loss:

• A complete blood count test (CBC test) that checks the red and white blood cells, platelets and other components
• Examination of red blood cells under a microscope. Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body
• Iron levels in the blood will be measured
• Transferrin levels in the blood will be measured. Transferrin is the protein that carries iron
• Ferritin levels in the blood will be measured. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron

A scalp biopsy of the hair follicles and scalp tissue may also be necessary.

💉 Treatment options for hair loss

Medical treatment for hair loss depends on the underlying cause and the individual’s specific needs and preferences. Here are some common hair loss treatments:

Medications

Minoxidil is a medication commonly used for pattern baldness. It can help hair to regrow or slow down its loss. Finasteride is another medication that can also promote hair regrowth and slow down hair loss.

Hair transplant surgery

Hair transplants may be used in individuals who require a permanent solution to their hair loss. Hair follicles are transplanted to areas where the hair is thin from areas where the hair is not thin.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy uses red light to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. This form of treatment has shown promising results, but more research is needed to establish its full effectiveness.

✋ Prevention for hair loss

Lifestyle modifications and self-care can help maintain hair health, reducing the risk of hair loss.

Practice good hair care

Avoid excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and hairstyles that pull on the hair. Also, use wide-toothed combs and avoid excessive hair brushing when the hair is wet.

Maintain a balanced diet

Vitamin, nutrient and iron deficiencies have been linked to hair loss. Maintaining a well-balanced diet with supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins, are essential for healthy hair. Make sure you include foods rich in zinc, iron, biotin, and omega-3 to support healthy hair.

A simple way to improve iron levels is to increase dietary iron intake. Make sure you include the following iron-rich foods in your diet every day to prevent iron deficiency anaemia:

• Iron-fortified cereals
• Red meat
• Dark leafy greens
• Green vegetables
• Lentils and beans
• Eggs
• Dried fruit, such as dried apricots, prunes and raisins

Foods rich in Vitamin C are important to include in the diet when iron is low as it helps in iron absorption these include:

• Citrus foods such as oranges
• Strawberries
• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli
• Blackcurrants
• Peppers

Manage stress

Find ways to manage your stress. Relaxation techniques, exercise, and talking to family and friends can all help reduce stress levels and their impact on hair health.

📈 When to seek medical attention

Speak to a dermatologist or healthcare professional if you have significant hair loss or notice any concerning symptoms associated with hair loss. Signs that indicate you may need medical attention:

• Rapid or severe hair loss
• Patchy hair loss or bald spots
• Pain or itching and hair loss
• A change in the feel or appearance of your scalp
• Hair loss accompanied by weight gain, muscle weakness, or changes in your menstrual cycle

📝 Conclusion

Hair loss is one of the symptoms of iron deficiency and can affect self-esteem and self-image. Healthy hair care routines and appropriate treatment can help you regain your confidence and hair. If you are concerned, talk to your healthcare provider for help and advice.

Sources

• Hair Loss – NHS
• The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss – ScienceDirect
• Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?
• Iron deficiency anaemia – NHS