Does iron deficiency cause hair thinning?

[james1029]

I'm a 21-year-old male with iron deficiency, and have been noticing some extremely thin hairs being shed from my scalp. It isn't an alarming amount, but should I be concerned?

My hairline isn't receding, and the rest of my hair seems fine as far as I can tell. There's also no history of male pattern balding in my family.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Hair thinning may be due to an underlying iron deficiency. A complete  blood test including the various indices which specifically measures the amount of iron in your body is important, as iron levels can be low enough to cause hair thinning but not low enough to cause anaemia, and a simple full blood count, which is the standard test for anaemia, may miss milder iron deficiency. Iron supplements can restore iron levels to normal and may help your hair to recover its previous thickness. Other causes for hair thinning are health, anaemia, or a thyroid problem. Consult a hematologist for appropriate guidance. Take care.

[thyroidian]

Hi James.

Yes anaemia, iron deficiency, can cause hair thinning, and also hairloss.

The sooner the condition is under control, then the hair should go back to normal.

Hope this has helped
Nicola