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There have been several studies done on the relationship between iron levels and hair loss. In face, anemia is one of the most common reasons for female hair loss. If you suspect that you may have an iron deficiency, it’s important that you talk to your family doctor immediately.

How do you know if you have iron deficiency?
It doesn’t matter your gender, anyone can have an iron deficiency. Women and teenage girls are especially at higher risk. What can cause this is heavy blood loss during menstruation, pregnancy, or inadequate nutrients.

If your iron levels are low, you may experience fatigue, brittle nails, shortness of breath, an impaired immune system, pale skin, and thinning hair. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then your doctor can test your iron levels.

How does iron deficiency contribute to hair loss?
Hair loss due to the lack of an iron deficiency is often temporary. It is referred to as telogen effluvium. What happens is a disturbance in the hair growth cycle. When this happens, excess shedding occurs and more hair follicles are being forced out of their growing phase. As your body requires sufficient nutrients to function properly, when your body lacks nutrition, your hair growth is one of the first processes to suffer.

How can you avoid iron deficiency?
The best way to start is to increase your daily intake through your diet. Try to get into the habit of regularly incorporating some iron-rich foods into your diet. This includes leafy vegetables, tofu, red meat, chickpeas, chicken, rolled oats, brown rice, nuts, kidney beans, dark chocolate, oysters, dried fruits, and broccoli. By combining iron-rich foods and taking supplements, and vitamin C, it will help to increase your absorption of those nutrients.

It can also be beneficial to you to avoid eating food that could hinder the absorption of nutrients, which include things like coffee, milk, yogurt, cheese, tea, and junk foods. Your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement to ensure your levels increase.

What are your options for thinning hair?
If your hair has thinned, there are hair loss treatments that can help you while your recover from your iron deficiency. Treatments range from hair extension to wigs, hair replacement, and even hair transplants for those more serious cases. A hair loss specialist can recommend the best choice based on your specific hair loss condition.