Dr Amir Khan, a practising GP and regular contributor to ITV programmes such as Lorraine and This Morning, has advised women experiencing hair thinning to ask their GP three specific questions. Up to half of women may experience some form of hair loss before age 50, according to experts.
In a recent TikTok video, Dr Khan explained that hair thinning in women who still have periods or are perimenopausal could indicate low iron stores. He said: "If you're noticing your hair thinning, more strands in your brush or just not having the volume you used to have and you're still having periods or your perimenopausal, this could be a hint that your iron stores aren't quite optimal."
He emphasised that iron is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, and that the body prioritises vital organs over hair when iron stores drop. Women who have heavy periods or bleed for more than seven days may lose vital iron reserves, which is common during perimenopause.
Dr Khan urged women to ask their GP for tests not only for anaemia but also for ferritin levels to check iron stores. He said: "Tell them 'I'm losing my hair, I bleed heavily and I have periods'. You want to know not just if you're anaemic, but whether your iron stores are sufficient for hair health."
If tests show low ferritin, a doctor may recommend an iron supplement, but Dr Khan warned against self-medication as excessive iron can be harmful. He also advised considering other factors such as thyroid issues, stress, hormonal changes, protein intake, and scalp care. Hair regrowth can take months after iron stores improve.
To boost iron naturally, Dr Khan recommended iron-rich foods including lean red meat, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, beans, lentils, spinach, nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids. Pairing these with vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, strawberries, and peppers can enhance absorption.
