Hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, is a common alopecia in women, characterized by widespread hair loss.
Telogen effluvium generally occurs 2-3 months after severe stress such as:
- A surgery;
- Weight loss;
- High fever;
- Diseases of the thyroid gland;
- Other strong stresses.
Currently, the diagnosis of Telogen Effluvium is mainly based on clinical investigation and dermatoscopy, and there is no reliable laboratory indicator for clinical diagnosis.
It seems that iron deficiency can also have a negative impact. What is iron deficiency?
Contents
- What is iron deficiency
- How iron deficiency and hair loss are linked
- The role of ferritin
- The importance of iron
- How do i know if i have an iron deficiency
- What ferritin level can be considered serious
- How can I resolve my iron deficiency and hair loss symptoms
- Conclusions
Anemia, or iron deficiency, is the result of a low number of red blood cells that contain the iron-rich metalloprotein hemoglobin. In most cases, this deficiency is caused by a diet low in iron, which means that it does not allow you to take in sufficient doses of iron.
Iron is found mainly in legumes, red meat, spinach, liver, fish, egg yolk, and many other foods. How iron deficiency and hair loss are linked
In the past few decades, research has linked anemia to hair loss. Experts have found that ferritin, or stored iron, at healthy levels is a key part of hair growth, and a lack of it can easily lead to hair loss before it reaches full maturity.
Hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, is made up of an iron core and porphyrin rings. Iron deficiency leads to less hemoglobin synthesis and ultimately less oxygen supply to tissues, i.e. anemia.
To cope with this oxygen deficiency, the body redirects supply to essential organs, leaving the hair follicles deprived of oxygen and contributing to hair loss.
Ferritin, on the other hand, compensates for this iron deficiency by releasing stored iron in the blood, but it doesn’t last too long. Ultimately, the body compensates for the low levels of circulating iron by borrowing ferritin from the hair follicles and causing hair growth to stop. Iron levels in the blood are partially restored, which can lead to the belief that there is no iron deficiency.
The hair life cycle consists of a growth phase (anagen), a transition phase (catagen) and a resting phase (telogen). On average, a hair grows for about 5 years before falling out and being replaced by a new strand of hair. If ferritin levels are low, the anagen phase is reduced, hampering full hair growth and causing premature hair loss. The importance of iron
Iron is involved in DNA synthesis. Serum ferritin levels are often used to determine iron stores.
Iron deficiency has a statistical correlation with emotional stress; Stress and anxiety are also a common trigger of hair loss.
A number of studies have reported serum iron deficiency in patients with Telogen Effluvium, although other studies have not observed any correlation between iron deficiency and the incidence of hair loss.
The relationship between serum ferritin and alopecia is still controversial. How do I know if I have an iron
deficiency Iron deficiency and hair loss together are often seen as the tipping point for those with these problems to seek help from a specialist doctor. But there are numerous other symptoms that should be monitored, these include:
- A constant feeling of exhaustion;
- Pallor;
- Leg pain
- Constant headache;
- Heart palpitations and shortness of breath;
- Gynecological disorders;
- Period;
- Celiac disease;
- Crohn’s disease;
- Gastrointestinal bleeding;
- Drugs and alcohol abuse;
- Food that inhibits the absorption of iron;
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs);
- Lower production of stomach acid;
- Autoimmune Disorders;
- Hormonal disturbances;
- High levels of anxiety.
What ferritin level can be considered serious
Normal serum ferritin levels range from 15-150 ng / ml (µg / L). It is very unlikely that you have experienced hair loss even if your serum levels are in the lower limits. But this is not the case for everyone and some people still experience hair loss due to iron deficiency, even if ferritin levels are above 40ng / ml.
Several studies have been done to find a relationship between serum ferritin levels and hair loss. Most of them concluded that serum ferritin level is an important marker of hair growth. How can I resolve my iron deficiency and hair loss symptoms
First of all, if you recognize yourself in these symptoms, it is very important to consult your primary care physician and ask for a blood test, with a specific focus on the following elements:
- Serum iron
- TIBC (total capacity to bind iron)
- Transferrin saturation
- Ferritin
If the results confirm a lack of iron in your system, then both you and your doctor can start discussing the remedies. Which could be:
- Increased Vitamin C Intake: Higher levels help the body absorb iron more effectively;
- In almost all cases, a change in lifestyle and diet is required.
After discussing the issue with your doctor, try to incorporate iron-rich foods into your daily life.These include:
- Red meats;
- Liver;
- Almonds and walnuts;
- Fruits and vegetables such as lentils, spinach, prunes and beets.
If a change in diet fails to have the desired effect, your doctor will likely recommend iron supplements. These supplements, particularly those that contain biotin, zinc, or marine extracts, are known to be very helpful to patients who are coping with the symptoms often associated with anemia. Conclusions
Hair loss due to ferritin deficiency is a treatable and completely reversible disorder. Supplementing with iron and other nutrients can not only prevent further hair loss, but can also help regrow hair.
If you are experiencing hair loss despite changes to your diet, it may be time to see your doctor.
Ferritin levels below 15ng / mL are generally associated with hair loss. Consult your doctor if your tests show this decrease in ferritin. You will definitely need iron supplements.
Removing the element of stress and improving sleep quality could also benefit in reducing hair loss.
