Have you noticed your hair is looking a little thin lately and that you struggle to catch your breath or feel more tired than usual? The culprit may be iron deficiency!
While there may be any number of reasons for hair loss, one of the most common, especially for women, is lack of nutrients. The good news? Hair loss due to iron deficiency is almost always reversible, which means with help from professionals like the team here at Advanced Medical Hair Institute, you can easily get back to living your best hair life.
Think your hair loss could be caused by a deficiency in iron? We’ve got all the need-to-know information you need to take back control of your locks.
What’s iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency – sometimes referred to as “iron deficiency anemia” – is a medical condition in which blood lacks a healthy number of red blood cells. When the body doesn’t have an adequate amount of iron, it can’t produce enough hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
That means that if you’re suffering from iron deficiency, your body’s tissues aren’t getting the necessary levels of oxygen it needs. So what causes iron deficiency? Actually, quite a few things, and it’s more common than you may realize.
Iron deficiency can be caused by insufficient iron intake, pregnancy, endometriosis, interference in your body’s natural ability to absorb iron, stress, like that brought on by COVID-19, or just plain old genetics!
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Because many of the symptoms of iron deficiency are so subtle, most people don’t realize they’ve been living with this deficiency for months or even years. The most common symptoms of iron deficiency include:
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Reduced appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Cold hands and feet
- Unusual cravings (like the want to consume dirt)
- General weakness
How exactly does iron deficiency cause hair loss?
So if iron is responsible for helping our tissues have the oxygen it needs, you may be wondering how iron deficiency can cause hair loss. Great question! Let’s dive deeper.
When iron levels are low, it becomes much more difficult to transport oxygen to cells, including the cells that stimulate the growth of hair and nails. Without that stimulation, hair starts to thin and eventually falls out.
Hair loss due to iron deficiency and hair loss due to hormones look nearly identical, meaning it’s most noticeable at the crown of the head and the hairline. The good news is that hair loss due to a lack of iron is typically very subtle, starting with just a few extra stands falling out here and there. That gives plenty of time to not only notice these missing strands but take corrective action before the hair loss goes too far.
Is it reversible?
Yes, hair loss from iron deficiency is almost always reversible. The bad news is that it may take some time to get back to the full head of hair that you are used to, so patience is key.
Before you can start reversing or stopping hair loss, you must be sure the loss is, in fact, due to iron deficiency. Several tests and corrective action options are available, including simple blood work and taking supplements or incorporating more iron-rich foods into your diet. With help from professionals, like the team here at Advanced Medical Hair Institute, you uncover the underlying cause of your hair loss so that you appropriately – and effectively – treat it.
Get to the root of your hair loss with help from Doctor Williams
Don’t be left wondering if lack of iron is causing your hair loss, or perhaps genetics, or even your diet – take charge of your hair journey by scheduling a consultation with renowned Doctor Joseph Williams here at the Advanced Medical Hair Institute.
We offer safe and effective hair restoration solutions, including hair transplant surgeries and laser therapies, in both Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. Get your confidence back by contacting us today!
