Hair Loss Causes: Iron deficiency

Your hair loss may be from Iron deficiency

If you're suffering from hair loss it could be from something you wouldn't expect; iron deficiency. Research has shown over the past 40 years that hair loss is often a symptom of iron deficiency. Some doctors also believe that treating iron deficiency can help treat hair loss. Some doctors believe that treating iron deficiency with iron supplements can stop hair loss and may even start hair regrowth; though other doctors disagree. Despite arguments about if treating iron deficiency can stop or reverse hair loss research has shown that women with hair loss have significantly lower iron stores than women without hair loss. There is less evidence of this in men because men suffer from iron deficiency much less than women.

What all doctors do agree on, however, is that it could be dangerous for just anyone with hair loss to take iron supplements. Taking excess iron can lead to iron overload, or hemochromatosis, which can lead to arthritis, diabetes, liver cancer, heart failure, and other symptoms. That is why it is important to have your iron levels checked before you rush to get iron supplements in hopes of stopping your hair loss. You should have your doctor check your iron level; this is done by checking ferritin levels in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that is important to iron storage in the blood. Normal ferritin levels are between 10-15 ng/mL. However, some doctors believe this is low and, in order to reverse hair loss ferritin levels between 50-70 ng/mL are needed.

The key thing to remember is that if you have iron deficiency hair loss is only one of many problems you may have. Iron deficiency is a serious issue that can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms such as: fatigue, weakened immunity, rapid or forced heart rate, brittle nails, and disturbed sleep. This is why, that while increasing your iron intake may help fight hair loss; there are many other reasons to avoid iron deficiency. Also, use of iron supplements can cause constipation and upset stomachs.