Low Ferritin Levels Can Cause Hair Loss and Fatigue. Here's What You Need To Know

You've probably heard how important it is to eat a diet high in iron, but the term “ferritin” may be new to you. Do you know that your red blood cell count may decrease if your iron levels become too low? Yes, iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a vital protein in red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body, including your hair follicles and nail beds. The condition in which the body lacks sufficient hemoglobin to transport oxygen is known as iron-deficiency anemia, which can manifest as weakness, lethargy, exhaustion, shortness of breath, headaches, and hair loss.

Ferritin is a protein in the blood, and your body stores some of the iron in the form of ferritin. If you have low ferritin levels, it means that you are iron-deficient. Hence, eating a lot of iron isn't the only factor. Your body also needs a protein called ferritin to store iron. You may experience symptoms similar to those of iron deficiency if your ferritin level is low. When you have low ferritin, you may also experience hair loss and fatigue. In this blog, we will explore how low ferritin levels can lead to hair loss and fatigue, covering all the necessary information from diagnosis to treatment.

What is Ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein responsible for storing iron in the body. It serves as an indicator of the body’s iron stores, which are released when the body needs them for various functions, such as in the production of red blood cells. If you have low ferritin levels, it indicates that you are iron-deficient and may be prone to hair loss and fatigue.

Causes of Low Ferritin

Insufficient iron in the diet
Increased use of iron by the body (in young children, pregnancy, and in athletes)
Poor absorption of iron due to diseases (irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease) and some medications (antacid medications like proton pump inhibitors)
Chronic blood loss (in heavy periods, colon cancer, stomach ulcer)

Effects of Low Ferritin on Hair

Do you know that your hair follicles also store some ferritin? Many individuals believe that a significant proportion of this iron-storing protein is lost along with hair loss. The fact is that the ferritin loss process may start before you experience symptoms of hair loss. When you are ill or your iron levels are low, your body will "borrow" ferritin from your hair follicles and other less vital sources. This is the body’s mechanism for maintaining appropriate ferritin levels. In such cases, you must consume adequate iron through diet or iron supplements.

Enumerating the role of ferritin in hair health:

Iron storage: Ferritin serves as a protein that stores iron, allowing the body to easily access it when needed.
Hair follicle health: The growth and well-being of hair follicles depend on ferritin-maintained iron levels.
Oxygen supply: Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, contains iron. Enough oxygen must reach the hair follicles to operate properly.
Hair growth cycle: Low ferritin levels can disrupt the normal cycle of hair follicle growth, leading to hair thinning or shedding. \
Hair growth: Low ferritin levels can lead to iron deficiency, resulting in hair thinning, weakening, and hair loss.

Effects of Low Ferritin on Energy

Fatigue (tiredness and exhaustion), low energy, and diminished cognitive and physical performance can stem from low ferritin levels. This is a result of low iron storage, which is essential in the production of hemoglobin. Due to low iron and ferritin levels, the body struggles to distribute oxygen properly throughout the body, resulting in fatigue and low energy.

Enumerating the effects of ferritin on overall health:

Fatigue and Exhaustion: Low ferritin is a typical cause of fatigue. It ranges from mild fatigue to extreme exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest.
Decreased Physical Performance: Iron deficiency impairs the delivery of oxygen to muscles, which can result in weakness, low endurance, and diminished workout performance.
Cognitive Effects: The synthesis of neurotransmitters and other aspects of brain function depend on iron. Hence, low ferritin levels can impair cognitive processes, causing slow thinking, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating.
Additional Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and pale skin are additional symptoms linked to low ferritin.

How to Diagnose & Treat Low Ferritin Levels

Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor hemoglobin and ferritin levels and assess the effectiveness of treatment. Measuring the ferritin levels in a blood test can help doctors assess the amount of iron stored in the body. Remember that the low ferritin levels can make you feel the same way as iron-deficiency anemia even when your iron levels and blood counts are normal.

The specific treatment approach for low ferritin levels includes:

Iron supplementation: Low ferritin levels can be raised in the same manner as low iron levels. The primary method is to take iron supplements (ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate) as directed by a medical practitioner or, in some cases, IV iron infusions are advised.
Dietary changes: Include high-iron foods in your diet, like meat, poultry, fish, leafy green vegetables, legumes, and iron-fortified cereals.
Addressing the underlying causes of blood loss: The cause of chronic blood loss (heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, or tumors) should be evaluated by your doctor, including blood tests to ensure the effectiveness of treatment.

Conclusion

Hence, low ferritin levels lead to hair loss by depriving the hair follicles of oxygen, weakening them, and interfering with the hair growth cycle. Restoring normal ferritin levels and treating iron deficiency can enhance hair health, improve body vigor, and cure weakness. A ferritin test is a useful tool for determining iron status. It is always important to seek medical care if you experience severe hair loss or fatigue. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment often prevent further hair loss and restore hair growth, along with restoring body vitality.

If you have any questions related to hair loss or fatigue due to decreased levels of ferritin, consult a Physician at Ask a Doctor - 24x7. Also, you can check with our dietician for a customized iron-rich food plan for your diet.

Recently Answered Questions Related to Ferritin-Associated Health Concerns

Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.

About the Author

Dr. Shweta Khanna

Shweta Khanna is a dental surgeon who has experience in dentistry for more than 13 years. She has been writing innovative medical and healthcare content for the past eight years. She has authored various medical blogs/articles related to dentistry, orthopedics, dermatology, women's health, consumer health articles, and research articles (basic and clinical).

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Low Ferritin Levels Can Cause Hair Loss And Fatigue. Here's What You Need To Know