Low Iron and Hair Loss
If you're losing hair, there's a good chance someone has told you to check your iron. Here's what the research actually shows and what to do about it.
What ferritin is
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in your body, and a blood test for ferritin shows how full those stores are. You can have low iron stores without being anemic.
What the research shows
A 2022 review of 36 studies covering about 10,000 participants found that women with non-scarring hair loss had lower average ferritin than women without it, with the biggest gap in women before menopause. The authors concluded that women with hair loss may benefit from higher ferritin levels. The link is an association, so low iron isn't always the cause, but it's one of the most common things worth ruling out.
Who's more likely to run low
- Women with heavy periods
- Women who've recently been pregnant or breastfed
- Vegetarians and vegans, and anyone eating less overall
- Frequent blood donors
Test before you take iron
Too much iron can be harmful, so check your ferritin with your doctor before starting an iron supplement, and follow their dose. Firmora doesn't contain iron, so you can take it alongside an iron supplement if your doctor recommends one.
Iron-friendly habits
- Pair iron-rich foods (lentils, beans, leafy greens, red meat) with vitamin C to help absorption.
- Have tea and coffee between meals rather than with them.
- Retest after a few months to see whether stores are improving.
Supporting your hair while stores rebuild
Firmora Women's Daily Supplement provides vitamin C, B12, zinc, selenium and biotin, plus chlorella. Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation. Not sure where to start? take the 60-second hair quiz.
Questions women ask
Can low iron cause hair loss?
Low iron stores are common in women with hair loss, and many dermatologists check ferritin as a first step. Ask your doctor for a test.
Should I take iron for hair loss?
Only if a blood test shows you need it. Too much iron can be harmful.
Does Firmora contain iron?
No. It can be taken alongside an iron supplement if your doctor recommends one.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Firmora is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you're worried about hair loss, see a doctor or dermatologist.