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Iron Supplements for Hair Loss

The internet is full of tips for hair loss and hair growth – but sometimes these tips are more like myths. Today we’re looking at Iron supplements and if they can actually help with hair loss.

What is Iron Deficiency?

An Iron deficiency is a condition where not enough iron is present in the body. Without the proper amount of iron, your body can’t produce hemoglobin, which allows your red blood cells to carry oxygen.

Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

One of the main reasons your blood cells need to carry oxygen is to aid in the growth and repair of new cells. Since an iron deficiency causes a decrease in hemoglobin, your cells are not able to grow or repair themselves as quickly or successfully. This includes the cells that incite hair growth, resulting in hair loss as a symptom.

 

Other Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

There are other symptoms of iron deficiency that can occur before hair loss. It’s recommended that you see your GP or a hair loss specialist if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms;

  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Cold extremities
  • Weakness
  • Vertigo
  • Inflammation of the tongue
  • Migraines
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Nails becoming frail and weak
  • Cravings for odd materials like dirt or ice

 How to Treat Hair Loss due to Iron Deficiency

Your GP will be able to conduct a blood test to confirm if you have an iron deficiency. Too much iron can cause several other issues as bad as liver disease and diabetes, so it’s important to be positive that a lack of iron is the issue.

Once you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency, taking iron supplements is the quickest and easiest way to get your iron levels back to normal. It is also a good idea to incorporate more iron-rich foods into your diets such as red meat, beans, and whole wheat bread.

Luckily, hair loss due to iron deficiency is typically temporary, this is due to the hair growth cycle momentarily changing, known as telogen effluvium, during the time you are low in iron, once your iron levels get back to normal – the hair growth cycle does the same.

Can Iron supplements stop hair loss

For those who have been diagnosed with an iron deficiency, taking iron supplements will over time stop hair loss due to your hair growth cycle resuming to normal. However, Iron supplements are not a magic cure to stop hair loss in general – they will not work for people suffering from hair loss from other causes.

If you are currently suffering from hair loss, please contact us today. One of our doctors will invite you in for a no-obligation consultation where you can discuss hair loss as well as hair restoration options if we feel they are needed.

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