Does low ferritin cause hair loss?
Low ferritin may be associated with hair loss, even in the absence of iron deficiency anaemia. Ferritin levels below around 30 micrograms per litre are commonly considered low and may affect the normal hair growth cycle, potentially contributing to increased shedding, particularly in conditions such as telogen effluvium. However, not everyone with low ferritin experiences hair loss, and other factors such as stress, genetics, and additional nutrient deficiencies may also play a role.
Key points:
- Ferritin levels below approximately 30 micrograms per litre may be associated with telogen effluvium, where more hairs enter the shedding phase.
- Some clinicians aim for ferritin levels above 40 to 70 micrograms per litre when managing hair loss, although clear targets are not established.
- Hair loss related to iron deficiency may improve once iron stores are restored, depending on the underlying cause.
- Women are more commonly affected, particularly those with heavy menstrual bleeding, restrictive diets, or certain gastrointestinal conditions.
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.