If you’ve been noticing more hair shedding than usual, you might be wondering, “Can anemia cause hair loss?” The short answer is yes, it can, especially if you have iron deficiency anemia.
Iron is a vital nutrient that helps your body produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues, including your hair follicles. Without enough iron, your follicles may not get the oxygen they need, leading to thinning hair or increased shedding.
The good news is that iron deficiency hair loss is reversible. Once you address the deficiency, whether through iron supplements or dietary changes, your hair can start to grow back.
So, if you’re struggling with hair loss and suspect it could be linked to anemia, don’t worry, there are clear steps you can take to get your iron levels back on track and promote healthy hair regrowth.

What is Anemia, and How Does it Relate to Hair Loss?
Anemia occurs when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the rest of your body. Iron is a key player in making hemoglobin, which is the protein in your red blood cells that transports oxygen. Without enough oxygen, your body’s cells, including the ones in your hair follicles, can’t function properly.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common form of anemia. So, when you don’t have enough iron in your body, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin, and yes, in some cases, even hair loss.
Can Anemia Actually Cause Hair Loss?
You might have heard that iron deficiency anemia could be the cause of your hair thinning. But how true is this? Well, studies suggest that while hair loss is not a typical symptom of iron deficiency anemia, some people do experience it.
Here’s the thing: iron deficiency can interfere with your hair growth cycle. Your hair follicles need oxygen to grow and regenerate. When you’re low on iron, the hair follicles can’t get the oxygen they need, which means hair growth slows down. Eventually, some of your hair might enter the telogen phase prematurely. This is a resting phase in the hair growth cycle when hair falls out more easily.
It’s not just about hair falling out either. If your hair follicles are deprived of oxygen for a long time, they might not grow new hair at the same rate. This leads to the thinning or shedding that many people with low iron experience.
How Can You Know If You Have a Lack of Iron?
Here’s how you can recognize if you have a lack of iron in your body, presented in simple points:

- Fatigue and Low Energy: Feeling unusually tired or drained, even after a full night’s sleep, could be a sign of iron deficiency.
- Pale Skin: Paleness in your face, gums, or under your eyes is a common indicator of low iron levels. It occurs because your body’s red blood cells aren’t functioning properly to carry oxygen to your skin.
- Brittle Nails: If your nails become brittle, split easily, or even spoon-shaped, it could be a sign that your body lacks the iron it needs for proper functioning.
- Hair Loss or Thinning Hair: Increased shedding or thinning hair is often linked to low iron. Without enough iron, your hair follicles may not get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy, leading to hair loss.
- Shortness of Breath: You may experience shortness of breath or feel like you’re out of breath after even mild physical activity.
- Cold Hands and Feet: Iron deficiency can cause your body to feel colder than usual, leading to cold hands and feet, as it impacts your circulation.
- Restless Legs Syndrome: If you feel the need to move your legs constantly at night or experience an uncomfortable tingling sensation, this could be linked to low iron levels.
- Headaches or Dizziness: Frequent headaches or feelings of dizziness can occur when your iron levels are low, as your brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen.
Iron Deficiency Treatment: How to Address It
The good news? Hair loss caused by low iron is often reversible. Once your iron levels are back to normal, your hair follicles will move from the telogen phase back into the anagen phase, and your hair growth should pick up again.
However, keep in mind that it can take several months for this process to happen. But don’t be discouraged, there are steps you can take to get your iron levels back on track and start improving your hair health.

Iron Supplements
If you’re diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, your doctor will likely recommend iron supplements. These can help replenish your iron stores over time. Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations on the right type of supplement for you. Iron supplements like ferrous sulfate are common, but there are other options too, such as ferrous gluconate or ferric citrate.
Dietary Changes for More Iron
In addition to supplements, eating a diet rich in iron can make a significant difference. You can get heme iron (the more absorbable form) from foods like:
- Red meat (beef, lamb)
- Poultry (chicken, turkey)
- Fish (salmon, tuna)
For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, non-heme iron (found in plant-based foods) is still important. To boost absorption of non-heme iron, pair these foods with vitamin C—such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
- Iron-rich foods: Spinach, lentils, beans, fortified cereals, tofu, quinoa
Iron Injections
In some cases, especially with severe anemia, your doctor may recommend iron injections or intravenous iron. These can help raise your iron levels more quickly than oral supplements.
When Will You See Results?
Here’s what you need to know: while it’s possible to notice less hair shedding within a few weeks of starting iron therapy, the full benefits—like thicker hair or regrowth—might take several months. Your hair follicles need time to transition back into their active growth phase, so patience is key.
Prevention: Keep Your Iron Levels Healthy
Once your iron levels are back to normal, keeping them in check will help prevent future hair loss. Regular blood tests and a diet rich in iron can keep you on track.
- Avoid excessive tea and coffee during meals, as they can interfere with iron absorption.
- Pair your iron-rich foods with foods that enhance absorption, like vitamin C.
- Keep an eye on your overall health, and make sure you’re getting enough of other nutrients that support hair growth, such as vitamin D, zinc, and biotin.