Can Anemia Cause Hair Loss? Lack of Iron Impact on Hair Texture

What is Anemia?

Anemia is a medical condition where the number of healthy red blood cells in the body is insufficient, or the cells are not functioning properly.

Since red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, insufficient levels of these cells can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and even hair loss.

Types of Anemia That Can Cause Hair Loss

There are several types of anemia, but the following are particularly linked to hair shedding:

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: The most common form of anemia, iron deficiency anemia occurs when there isn’t enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia: B12 is crucial for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in B12 can lead to pernicious anemia, which may also contribute to hair thinning.
• Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia: Folic acid (vitamin B9) helps in the production of red blood cells. A lack of folic acid can lead to a deficiency that impacts both overall health and hair growth.

How Does Anemia Cause Hair Loss?

Oxygen Deficiency and Hair Follicles

When your body is iron deficient, your red blood cells cannot deliver enough oxygen to the tissues, including your hair follicles. This lack of oxygen can cause the follicles to enter a resting phase (telogen), leading to more hair shedding. Additionally, hair follicles may not receive the necessary nutrients for normal growth, leading to thinning and brittle hair.

Hair Growth Cycle Disruption

Hair growth occurs in a cycle, which includes the anagen (growth) phase, catagen (transitional) phase, and telogen (resting) phase. In the presence of anemia, especially iron deficiency, hair follicles may prematurely enter the telogen phase, resulting in noticeable hair shedding and slower regrowth.

Impact on Keratin Production

Iron is also necessary for the production of keratin, the protein that forms the structure of your hair. Insufficient iron can impair keratin production, making hair more vulnerable to breakage and further thinning.

Signs of Hair Loss Caused by Anemia

When anemia causes hair loss, the process often starts slowly. At first, you may notice more hair falling out than usual. Over time, you may experience thinning hair, especially in areas that are more prone to hair loss, like the crown of the scalp. If you’re dealing with low iron levels, here’s what you might observe:

• Excessive Hair Shedding: You may find more hair in your brush or shower drain, indicating a greater-than-normal loss.
• Thinning of Hair: Areas such as the temples, crown, or the top of the scalp may become noticeably thinner.
• Brittle Hair: Your hair may appear dry, frayed, or weakened, and could break easily during styling or washing.

What Are the Symptoms of Anemia?

Hair loss due to anemia typically accompanies other symptoms. It’s essential to recognize these signs early on to seek medical treatment. The most common symptoms include:

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, weak, or drained of energy.
• Paleness: Skin may appear paler than usual, or a yellowish hue (sallow skin) may develop.
• Shortness of Breath: You may experience breathlessness, especially during physical exertion.
• Dizziness or Headaches: These can result from insufficient oxygen reaching the brain.
• Rapid Heartbeat: Your heart may work harder to compensate for low oxygen levels, causing a faster heartbeat.

If you’re noticing these symptoms along with hair loss, it’s a clear indicator that you may have anemia and should consult a healthcare provider promptly.

How Do You Diagnose Anemia and Hair Loss?

Our specialists emphasize that a proper diagnosis is crucial. If you suspect your hair loss is linked to anemia, a healthcare provider will perform a few essential tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test provides an overall look at your blood health, including red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells in your blood).
• Ferritin Test: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. Low ferritin levels are a strong indicator of iron deficiency anemia.
• Iron Studies: These tests measure various forms of iron in your blood, helping doctors assess the extent of iron deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels: If your doctor suspects vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, they may test for these nutrients as well.

Once anemia is diagnosed, a treatment plan can be developed that not only addresses the anemia but also aims to restore your hair health.

How to Treat Anemia-Related Hair Loss

Iron Supplements and Dietary Changes

The most common treatment for iron-deficiency anemia involves increasing iron intake, either through diet or supplements. If iron deficiency is confirmed, your doctor will likely recommend iron supplements and/or dietary changes.

• Iron-Rich Foods: Incorporating more iron-rich foods into your diet is key. Foods such as red meat, chicken, turkey, lentils, spinach, and tofu are great sources of iron.
• Vitamin C: Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, bell peppers, and broccoli, can help improve iron absorption.
• Iron Supplements: If dietary changes are not enough, iron supplements may be prescribed. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage, as too much iron can lead to complications like iron overload.

Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplements

If the anemia is caused by a B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency, you may need to take B12 injections or oral supplements. Foods like eggs, dairy products, and fish are good sources of B12, while green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals are high in folic acid.

Consulting a Specialist

For cases of pernicious anemia, where the body cannot absorb enough B12, lifelong B12 supplements may be necessary. It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider to monitor your progress and ensure the right approach for treating the deficiency.