What should you know about iron and hair loss?

When iron intake or body stores are inadequate, the body may prioritise essential functions over processes such as active hair growth. Shedding may become noticeable across the scalp rather than in one sharply defined patch. This pattern can also follow illness, major stress, weight change, childbirth, or another nutritional problem. Pattern loss, autoimmune patch loss, scalp infection, and pulling-related loss have different features; see [Hair Loss](/symptoms/hair-loss/) for the symptom overview.

Arrange an assessment if shedding is persistent, sudden, or accompanied by fatigue, breathlessness, heavy menstrual bleeding, or dietary restriction. A clinician may review diet, bleeding history, medicines, scalp findings, and blood tests before recommending iron. Do not take high-dose iron without advice, because excess iron can be harmful and the underlying cause may need treatment. Other possibilities include [Telogen Effluvium](/conditions/telogen-effluvium/), [Female Pattern Hair Loss](/conditions/female-pattern-hair-loss/), [Male Pattern Hair Loss](/conditions/androgenetic-alopecia/), [Alopecia Areata](/conditions/alopecia-areata/), [Scalp Ringworm](/conditions/scalp-ringworm/), or [Traction Alopecia](/conditions/traction-alopecia/).

Seek prompt medical advice for rapidly progressing loss, painful or inflamed scalp, pus, scaling with broken hairs, smooth bald patches, eyebrow loss, or symptoms of significant bleeding. Urgent care is appropriate for fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, or marked weakness.

Could iron deficiency explain my pattern of shedding? Which tests are appropriate? What might be causing low iron? How should treatment be monitored, and when should hair shedding be reassessed?