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5th October 2023

Anemia and hair loss: How to treat it?

Hair loss can occur for various reasons and be the symptom of a disease. In this sense, anemia and hair loss are related, so in the event of suffering unusual hair loss, it could be due to this condition.

Recognizing the symptoms and effects when suffering from anemia and hair loss is key to determining when it is necessary to put yourself in the hands of professionals. From Hospital Capilar We tell you everything you need to know about hair loss due to anemia, as well as its causes and possible treatments.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition of the body that occurs when the person lacks enough healthy red blood cells capable of transporting the necessary levels of oxygen to the body. Specifically, the patient with anemia has low levels of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for delivering oxygen to the tissues. This generates certain very characteristic symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, dizziness, fragile nails and even a feeling of lack of air.

There are different types of anemia, although the most common is the one that develops due to a lack of iron. This is called iron deficiency anemia and normally when we talk about the relationship between anemia and hair loss, we refer to this type of anemia.

Does anemia cause hair loss?

In the same way that aspects such as Stress influence the hair loss process, anemia also causes hair loss. As we have mentioned before, iron deficiency anemia occurs in cases of iron deficiency. The consequence of this according to our doctors is weakening of the follicles by not receiving all the essential nutrients they need to function properly.

Hemoglobin levels are also reduced by anemia, so oxygen does not reach the hair bulbs properly either. In short, the hair follicles are no longer sufficiently nourished and, consequently, a telogen effluvium with which the hair falls. Therefore, there is indeed a relationship between patients with anemia and hair loss.

How to treat hair loss due to anemia

In the event of unusual hair loss, it is important to consult a specialized hair clinic. In case of suffering from anemia, it is possible that this hair loss is due to a lack of iron. However, it is important to request a medical diagnosis to rule out any other type of alopecia that can accompany with bald areas. Based on the capillary analysis, the medical team determines which treatment will be most effective in each particular case.

Normally when talking about anemia and hair loss, reference is not made to types of alopecia as such, since what it causes is reversible hair loss. That is, the hair that falls out due to anemia in most cases comes out again. Among the treatments or possible solutions to hair loss due to anemia, two stand out.

Caring for food

It is essential to take care of the eating when there are nutritional deficits as in the case of iron deficiency anemia where iron levels are low. In cases of hair loss due to anemia, it is highly recommended to include iron-rich foods in our diet such as eggs, shellfish, legumes, green vegetables such as spinach or chard, and red meat. In addition, it is also recommended to consume foods rich in vitamin C, since they help in the absorption of iron, which we can find in fruits or vegetables.

Hair treatments

To give hair follicles an extra boost and strengthen them, there are hair treatments to which we can resort in hair clinics in Spain. Specifically, the Platelet Rich Plasma It is a good option when what causes hair loss is anemia.

Platelet Rich Plasma begins with the extraction of a small amount of blood from the patient, which is centrifuged, thus separating the platelet-rich cells. growth factors from the rest of the blood components. It is this platelet-rich plasma that is injected into the patient's scalp, promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.

Is hair loss due to anemia reversible?

Anemia and hair loss are related and it is a common symptom of this condition. However, heor usual is that it is a reversible hair loss that is solved once the anemia is controlled. If you begin to notice areas without hair or bald spots, it is essential to go to a hair clinic since it could be a type of alopecia.

Health team expert in hair grafting in Hospital Capilar Madrid

En Hospital Capilar we take care of your hair

Do you notice that your hair falls out more intensely? In Hospital Capilar We have an expert medical team with which to obtain results that meet expectations. Request your medical diagnosis at no cost and put yourself in the best hands. 

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