27/08/2026
1 in 5 women. 1 in 30 men.
That’s roughly how many Australian adults have depleted iron stores.
When hair is shedding, iron deficiency may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can be one possible contributor. A blood test, interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history, can help determine whether your iron stores are low.
If shedding persists or occurs alongside heavy periods, pregnancy, a restricted diet or regular blood donation, speak with your GP about whether testing is appropriate. If iron is low, identifying the cause is just as important as correcting it.
This post provides general educational information only and does not replace individual medical advice.
Reference:
1. World Health Organization. WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status. Geneva, 2020. NCBI Bookshelf, NBK569877.
2. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2019;9(1):51–70.
3. Kantor J, Kessler LJ, Brooks DG, Cotsarelis G. Decreased serum ferritin is associated with alopecia in women. J Invest Dermatol 2003;121(5):985–988.
4. Olsen EA, Reed KB, Cacchio PB, Caudill L. Iron deficiency in female pattern hair loss, chronic telogen effluvium, and control groups. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;63(6).
5. Telogen Effluvium. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, NBK430848.
6. Physiology, Hair. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, NBK499948.
7. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Diagnosis and investigation of iron deficiency anaemia.
8. Zhang GD, Johnstone D, Leahy MF, Olynyk JK. Updating the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency. Med J Aust 2024;221(7).
9. Iron-Deficiency Anemia. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, NBK448065.