Anemia and Hair Loss

Hair loss is caused by numerous conditions, one of which is anemia. Poor oxygenation can reduce blood flow to the scalp, leading to weaker hair follicles and eventually hair loss. Which types of low red blood cell conditions can actually lead to hair loss? What are the symptoms and is the loss permanent?

In this article, we explain in detail the link between anemia and hair loss and offer you all the information you need to restore your hair health. You will be able to find the answers to all your questions you ask yourself in the continuation of our article.

Types of Anemia and Their Impact on Hair Loss

The types of anemia that lead to hair loss due to your hair follicles failing to get the nutrition in a healthy manner are as follows:

1.    Iron Deficiency Hair Loss

It is the most common type of anemia. Iron is needed in making hemoglobin, which supplies oxygen to the hair follicles. Without it, hair becomes weaker, thinner and hair shedding escalates.

2.    Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia

Does low B12 lead to hair loss? Hair follicles cannot receive the nutrients they require when there is a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is a critical nutrient for the nervous system and cell regeneration. This can result in dull hair color and hair thinning.

3.    Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia

Folic acid works for cell division and the repair of tissues, and its lack decelerates hair growth. Extensive hair thinning may occur due to long-term deficiency.

4.    Anemia of Chronic Diseases

Kidney disease, inflammatory diseases or cancers are the reasons for alopecia. In all these, hair shedding due to anemia can be long-term.

Anemia can significantly impact the health of hair if not treated. Therefore, treatment of anemia through blood work is extremely important in patients presenting with alopecia.

What are Anemia Symptoms?

Iron deficiency anemia, which has numerous forms, is caused by a lack of iron in the body. These symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, can become increasingly worse over time. The following are the most common symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness: Energy production is reduced because the body cannot carry enough oxygen.
• Pale skin: A lack of hemoglobin causes pale skin.
• Breathlessness: Shortness of breath is experienced upon exertion or even movement.
• Dizziness and headaches: If your brain lacks sufficient oxygen, you will get dizziness and headaches.
• Hair loss: Hair follicles, like the rest of your body tissues, require oxygen. Your scalp might not be receiving sufficient oxygen if you’re lacking iron. The best answer to ‘Can low iron cause hair loss?’: Female pattern hair loss is common especially due to iron deficiency.
• Nail breakage: Weakened nail structure may indicate iron deficiency.
• Mouth sores and tenderness of the tongue: One of the common symptoms.
• Cold feet and hands: Reduced blood flow can lead to this symptom.

If these symptoms are noticed, a physician must be consulted and a diagnosis made by a blood test. The reticulocyte test is a very helpful lab test for diagnosing the cause of anemia and also in assessing the response to treatment. An early diagnosis simplifies the process of treatment.

Read More: Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

Will Hair Loss from Anemia Grow Back?

Anemia-induced alopecia is reversible. When appropriate treatment is given to the underlying cause, the Hair shedding is arrested and hair grows back in the normal course of time. Particularly when iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency is supplemented, hair follicles become normal.

How long does it take for iron deficiency hair loss to cease? If you follow your doctor’s treatment plan, the hair thinning should slow down or stop in a few months.

However, if anemia remains untreated for a long time, hair follicles can be damaged and hair loss can be irreversible in some areas. Therefore, early diagnosis is of the greatest importance. If anemia has been confirmed to be the cause of receding hairline, it is enough to start treatment under professional guidance without panic in order to restore the health of the hair.

If your female pattern baldness problem is of a permanent nature, then don’t worry. With Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Transplant in Turkey, you can get long-lasting, natural-looking hair without breaking the bank.

Anemia and Hair Loss: How to Maintain Healthy Iron Levels?

It is crucial to keep your iron levels in a normal range for your hair health and also for your general health. Individuals who are at risk of iron deficiency must especially take proper care of their lifestyle and diet.

• Try to eat more iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, eggs, fish, liver, and red meat — they can all help boost your iron levels.
• With vitamin C: Since vitamin C will increase your iron absorption, we recommend the following: You can mix your iron-containing foods with vitamin C-rich foods and take them.
• Consume tea and coffee after major meals: Nowadays, tea and especially coffee is one of the most common drinks. And you must have heard that tea and coffee cause anemia. What we recommend is this: It is advisable to take your tea and coffee after a time interval between meals.
• Have blood drawn regularly: Having your iron levels checked allows you to detect possible deficiencies earlier.
• Doctor-recommended supplements when required: Supplements can be required, particularly in those at risk of iron deficiency.

How to thicken hair after anemia? You can minimize the risk of alopecia and keep your iron level under control by observing the above easy principles. You can also apply medication such as minoxidil or finasteride on the advice of your doctor.

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If The Hair Loss is not Temporary, What Can You Do?

Hair shedding due to anemia typically resolves with treatment, although there are instances of permanent destruction of hair follicles. Particularly with prolonged deficiencies or in conjunction with a genetic susceptibility, baldness may be irreversible.

When hair loss does not cease regardless of all treatments and thinning reaches critical points, permanent baldness might be in question. If so, hair transplantation is a natural and permanent solution.

Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Transplant Clinic, which has a wide reputation in this practice in Turkey, presents a comfortable treatment procedure with developed DHI (Direct Hair Transplant) technique, unshaven and needle-free application alternatives.

In case you have permanent thinning hair, it is essential that you get examined by an expert in the field at the earliest. Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Clinic knows about ‘anemia and hair loss’ and is a trustworthy address for individuals who desire to have their hair transplanted.