What is the relationship between ferritin levels and hair loss in women?

Answer by  TheDome (19)

Some researchers have found that women with hair loss have lower iron levels, primarily lower levels ferritin(a protien that stores iron in the body) than women who do not. The belief is when there is low levels of iron/ferritin the body will steal iron from other sources i. e. hair cells.

Answer by  NGoodson (3395)

Low ferritin levels are usually caused by an iron deficiency and low ferritin levels lead to hair loss because iron and ferritin are crucial nutrients for every woman's body to have.

Answer by  Greta (233)

Iron deficiency, as low ferritin levels indicate, are a common cause of hair loss in women. This is especially the case for young women who have yet to reach menopause, but there is a correlation between low ferritin and hair loss among older women as well. Hair loss caused by low iron can happen quickly or over a long period.

Answer by  mammakat (11147)

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body- when the body is deprived, it goes to non-essential sources to supplement. If the body takes ferritin from hair to augment vital resources, this can result in hair loss. Iron is vital to women, not only in child bearing years, but as we age. Please consult a physician.

Answer by  luvlexis83 (798)

When your ferritin is low your iron in your body is low but your blood borrows iron from other not so important areas of the body. This can make someone unable to grow hair at all until you can get your iron levels back up to normal which may be possible with simple iron supplements.