Iron Deficiency hair loss, Iron Deficiency May Lead to Hair Loss
This correlation between iron deficiency and hair loss has been researched for more than 40 years now, with mostly women being studied, and research shows that there is a much closer link between iron deficiency and hair loss that most doctors do not even realize. No signs of alopecia (thinning of the hair) should ever be ignored because it can be an early manifestation of several underlying conditions that could lead to more serious problems. It is important to realize that an imbalance in iron does not necessarily mean you have anemia, a serious condition where the ability of the blood to carry oxygen around the body, is reduced. It does, however, mean that your body is not getting enough iron from your diet. However, it is fortunate to know that this type of hair loss, caused by iron deficiency, is also easily treated.
Iron deficiency is the world’s most common nutritional deficiency and can be caused by inadequate dietary intake, excessive menstrual bleeding, and other forms of blood loss. One way to treat iron deficiency is to maintain an adequate dietary intake and, when appropriate, oral iron supplementation. Iron supplements, which are available over-the-counter, can be very effective in treating hair loss, but they are not for everyone. In fact, they can be dangerous in patients with certain medical conditions and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. At the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, certified hair surgeon Dr. Umar can diagnose your symptoms and help you plan appropriate hair loss treatment for your case. For more information about iron deficiency or the surgeon, please call (310)318-1500.