Prominent ITV doctor Amir Khan has issued crucial guidance for the vast number of women dealing with hair thinning, advising them to ask their GP three specific questions to uncover a potential hidden cause.
Experts suggest that up to half of all women may face some form of hair loss before they reach the age of 50. Dr Khan, a practising GP familiar to viewers from shows like Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, shared this advice via his TikTok channel to help women tackle this particularly distressing symptom.
The Hidden Link Between Iron and Hair Health
Dr Khan explained that for women who are still menstruating or are perimenopausal, noticing hair thinning, more strands in their brush, or a loss of volume could be a significant clue. The issue may not be visible to the naked eye but could be linked to suboptimal iron stores.
"Iron isn't just about red blood cells," Dr Khan stated. "It's about delivering oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles so they can grow." He emphasised that when the body's iron reserves drop, it prioritises vital organs over hair, leading to compromised hair growth. This can occur even when a standard blood test shows a normal haemoglobin level.
Women with periods can lose vital iron during their cycle, a situation often exacerbated by heavier periods or bleeding that lasts more than seven days. Dr Khan noted that such irregularities are "very common" during the perimenopause.
Three Key Questions to Ask Your GP
Fortunately, there are clear steps to take. The most important action is to consult your GP and request specific tests.
Dr Khan advises women to clearly state: "I'm losing my hair, I bleed heavily and I have periods." The key is to ask for more than just an anaemia check. You need to know if your iron stores are sufficient specifically for hair health.
The two essential tests to request are for ferritin levels and iron levels. Ferritin indicates the body's stored iron, which is critical for hair follicle function.
If tests reveal low ferritin, a doctor may recommend an iron supplement. Dr Khan strongly warns against self-medicating, as excessive iron can be harmful without proper medical guidance.
A Holistic Approach to Hair Growth
While addressing iron deficiency is crucial, Dr Khan urges a broader view. Improving iron stores can reduce hair shedding and resume growth, but this process is slow, often taking months due to the natural hair growth cycle.
He recommends also considering other factors like thyroid function, stress, and hormonal changes, especially around menopause. Adequate protein intake is super important for hair, as is maintaining good scalp care.
To naturally boost iron levels, incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet. Excellent sources include lean red meat, poultry, fish, and fortified cereals. Plant-based options like beans, lentils, spinach, nuts, and dried fruits are also beneficial.
Surprisingly, dark chocolate is a good source, with a 28g serving providing about 3.4mg of iron—19% of the daily recommended intake. For the best benefits, choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids.
To enhance iron absorption, pair these foods with vitamin C-rich items such as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and peppers.
