Iron deficiency hair loss is a relatively common disorder that affects women of all ages. Symptoms‚ causes‚ and treatment options are discussed in this article. The first step is a blood test that measures the ferritin level. Ferritin is an important protein in the body that stores iron. If the ferritin level is low‚ it means that there is a deficiency of iron.
Symptoms
Although hair loss in women is typically caused by hormonal factors‚ iron deficiency is a cause of a small percentage of early stage female pattern baldness. It can be diagnosed through blood tests. If it is present‚ iron deficiency can be treated with topical treatments that contain minoxidil. These medications are believed to prolong the growth phase of the hair. Other options include 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride. These medications work by raising enzyme levels‚ which promote the growth of hair.
In addition to hair loss‚ women may experience spoon-shaped fingernails. In this rare symptom‚ iron-deficiency can affect nail growth as well. Hair and nails are both made of the same protein‚ keratin‚ and a deficiency in iron may affect both. Although female pattern baldness is usually harmless‚ it can affect one’s self-esteem and lead to anxiety. It is important to note that there is no proven treatment for female pattern baldness.
Some symptoms of iron deficiency include thinning of the hair in the middle of the scalp and a receding hairline along the forehead. Women should not be alarmed or panicked‚ as hair loss due to iron deficiency should be temporary. Patients should consult a physician to ensure they are getting the proper amount of iron to maintain healthy hair growth.
Diagnosis
If you have noticed extra hair on your hairbrush or pillow‚ it could be a sign that you may have an iron deficiency. You may also notice more hair falling from your scalp when you are wet or in a brightly lit area. However‚ it is important to remember that hair loss due to iron deficiency is only a small percentage of the total hair loss in women. Fortunately‚ the condition is often treatable.
The first step in treating iron deficiency is to consult your doctor. If your hair loss is a result of a deficiency in iron‚ your clinician will perform blood tests to rule out other conditions. For example‚ you may have a blood test to rule out hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism‚ which can cause hair loss in women.
A blood test called serum ferritin can detect an iron deficiency in women. Your doctor will use serum ferritin levels to make a diagnosis. This blood test will also determine your hair follicle’s ability to absorb iron. If you have a low serum ferritin level‚ your doctor may recommend an iron supplement.
Treatment
Hair loss is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can be remedied by consuming an iron-rich diet. Good sources of dietary iron include meat‚ poultry‚ and fish‚ as well as nuts‚ seeds‚ berries‚ legumes‚ and spinach. You can also take iron supplements. Iron-deficient individuals should consider eating more iron-rich foods‚ such as tofu‚ lentils‚ oysters‚ spinach‚ and prunes.
Iron deficiency causes anemia‚ which is a serious health problem. It affects approximately 30% of children in developing countries. In those areas‚ many kids don’t get enough iron from their diet. It can also damage bone marrow‚ which is responsible for the production of hemoglobin. This substance is essential for the transport of oxygen throughout the body and is crucial to hair growth.
The best way to diagnose iron deficiency is by having your blood tested. The test will check the ferritin level in your blood. Ferritin is a protein in the body that stores iron‚ so a low ferritin level is an indication that you are suffering from iron deficiency. You can seek treatment for iron deficiency by talking to a doctor.
Treatment options
Iron deficiency hair loss is a relatively minor cause of hair loss in women‚ with the majority of hair loss being caused by hormonal factors. Your doctor can perform blood tests to rule out an iron deficiency and recommend appropriate treatments. These treatments may include iron supplements or hair transplantation. Increasing your iron level can also be achieved through novel treatments like platelet-rich plasma therapy‚ which involves injecting platelets from a blood sample into areas of the scalp where hair loss is occurring.
Early stages of iron deficiency hair loss can be similar to male and female pattern baldness. This hair loss can be caused by a lack of iron‚ which stops the production of hemoglobin in the blood‚ which helps your hair grow. Hair loss from iron deficiency may appear as receding hairlines or bald spots on the head. Hair loss may occur on one side or the other‚ or can spread to all parts of the head.
In some cases‚ the condition can lead to anaemia‚ a condition where the body is unable to produce enough red blood cells. These red blood cells contain hemoglobin‚ which transports oxygen throughout the body. Without sufficient oxygen‚ hair follicles may cease to function and eventually fall out.
