Tuesday, April 30, 2024

What causes baldness? Understand why people lose their hair

can low iron cause hair loss

Doctors believe the platelets contain a significant amount of growth factors, which can help stimulate hair growth. Research in one study found that women who received PRP injections saw increases in the density and thickness of their hair after 6 months. People experiencing both hair loss and an iron deficiency might need to treat both separately. Female pattern hair loss usually refers to thinning hair in the middle portion of the scalp. People with this hair loss pattern may also have thinning or receding hair on the hairline along their forehead.

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Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, poor concentration, and dry skin and nails. In some cases, iron deficiency anemia can develop and result in low blood pressure, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and an increased risk for infections. If a doctor encounters a person experiencing hair loss who has low iron and ferritin levels, they will suggest dietary changes that include increased iron levels. There is a significant difference in ferritin levels between women with nonscarring alopecia and healthy women. Iron-deficiency anemia is not more common among women with nonscarring alopecia.

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Doktor says this type of hair loss "affects ~70 percent of men and a large population of women." Certain groups of people are more likely to experience iron-deficiency anemia, like women of childbearing age who are experiencing heavy periods and loss of blood during pregnancy [3]. It can also affect people who have disorders that make them unable to absorb iron, but it can also just come down to genetics. If a person suspects their iron levels may be low, they should visit a doctor who can perform blood tests to determine if they are anemic. It’s always a good idea to visit your doctor to discuss treatment options and get you on the path to optimal health quickly.

Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss

There is no established upper limit for vitamin B12 intake, as it has a low potential for toxicity [22]. Acquired biotin deficiency can be due to increased raw egg consumption, where avidin particles attach to biotin and inhibit its absorption into the intestinal gut. The aforementioned medications interfere with biotinidase activity [34].

What is iron deficiency?

can low iron cause hair loss

Common symptoms include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, and dry or damaged hair and skin. Other signs of iron deficiency include strange cravings, depression, frequent infections, and cold hands and feet. Children and older adults share symptoms, but neurological symptoms, like ADHD, are more common in children. People with iron deficiency anemia may have restless legs syndrome, which is a strong urge to move your legs while at rest.

If increasing iron intake does not resolve symptoms, doctors will consider other options, such as medical treatments for hair loss or other possible underlying conditions. Usually, the only way to prevent hair loss is to treat the underlying condition. Potentially excess iron can trigger hair loss, whether it’s due to a genetic condition such as haemochromatosis (where the body stores too much iron) or taking too many iron supplements.

Is Iron Deficiency Causing Your Hair Loss?

Vitamin D modulates growth and differentiation of keratinocytes through binding to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). Murine hair follicle keratinocytes are immunoreactive for VDR, showing their highest activity in the anagen stage [61]. The role of vitamin D in the hair follicle is evidenced by hair loss in patients with vitamin D-dependent rickets type II. These patients have mutations in the VDR gene, resulting in vitamin D resistance and sparse body hair, frequently involving the total scalp and body alopecia [62–64]. In addition, Forghani et al. identified novel nonsense mutations in the VDR gene in two patients that resulted in hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets and alopecia [65]. In most cases, a balanced diet will supply a healthy amount of vitamin A [14].

Thus, it would appear that women who complain of hair loss can benefit from higher ferritin levels. The best way to treat hair loss is to address the underlying cause of the problem. If you think your hair loss is related to an iron deficiency, consult a doctor to measure your iron levels.

Iron deficiency is thought to affect over 500 million people worldwide. A visit to the doctor usually involves discussing your medication history and symptoms. Following a physical exam, your provider can run a blood test to see how much iron is stored in your body. Your provider will also likely test your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

There are lots of potential causes of hair loss in women, which is why it’s so important to get a professional diagnosis. Our specialists in women’s hair loss can diagnose the underlying causes and create a female hair loss treatment plan that works for you. Oxygen is used to grow and repair many cells, including around your scalp, which can stimulate hair growth. Without this haemoglobin, your hair won’t grow or repair itself at the same rate.

The authors of a few studies suggest that the levels of folate or vitamin B12 might modify the progression of AA, but data are still too limited to recommend screening or supplementation of B vitamins. Biotin supplementation has been successful in the treatment of brittle nails [137]. In one study with the aim to determine the effects of isotretinoin on acne vulgaris in the skin, special care was taken to evaluate changes in the hair and hair growth. Consistent with other findings, the authors reported a decrease in hair count, density, and percentage of anagen hairs [19]. The role of nutrition and diet in treating hair loss represents a dynamic and growing area of inquiry.

Thirty-six of 928 identified studies entered the systematic meta-analysis. Two of the most common non-hereditary causes of hair loss are low thyroid function and iron deficiency. And although they are two completely different conditions, they share some of the same symptoms.

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