Experts suggest that around half of women may encounter hair loss issues before reaching the age of 50. Those concerned about this can consult their general practitioner and ask specific questions to determine potential solutions.
Dr Amir Khan, a practicing GP known for his appearances on various TV programs like ITV’s Lorraine, Good Morning Britain, and This Morning, shared advice on TikTok for women facing hair thinning problems.
He explained that noticing hair thinning, increased hair shedding, or reduced volume, especially in women still menstruating or in perimenopause, could indicate suboptimal iron stores affecting hair follicle growth. Iron not only supports red blood cells but also delivers crucial oxygen and nutrients to aid hair growth.
Dr Khan highlighted that women with regular periods might experience iron deficiency due to heavy bleeding or prolonged bleeding, common during perimenopause. To address this issue, women can discuss testing their ferritin, iron levels, and hemoglobin with their GP.
Seeking medical advice, especially for dietary iron intake recommendations, is crucial. Dr Khan emphasized the importance of not self-medicating with iron supplements without professional guidance, as excessive iron levels can be harmful.
He advised women to focus on overall hair health, considering factors like thyroid function, stress, hormonal changes, and protein intake, besides iron levels. Improving iron stores may reduce hair shedding and promote regrowth over time, typically taking months due to the slow pace of hair growth.
To enhance iron intake naturally, incorporating iron-rich foods like lean meat, fish, fortified cereals, beans, lentils, spinach, nuts, and dried fruits into the diet is recommended. Dark chocolate, with at least 70% cocoa solids, can also be a good source of iron.
Boosting iron absorption can be achieved by consuming vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and peppers alongside iron-rich foods.