The number of women in the United Kingdom experiencing hair loss has doubled in the last five years, according to a UK general practitioner. While weight-loss drugs and menopause are often cited as causes, Dr. Ellie Cannon suggests that a widespread, and often overlooked, deficiency in iron levels may be the primary reason for this growing trend. Online searches for 'hair loss' and 'hair thinning' in women have more than doubled since 2021, according to Google.
Dr. Cannon stated that hair loss, while sometimes a normal part of aging and affecting an estimated eight million women in the UK, appears to be on the rise. Although some experts point to the widespread use of weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy, which are used by 2.5 million Britons, Dr. Cannon believes these drugs cannot account for the sheer volume of women experiencing this issue. She noted that while hair loss can be a side effect of rapid weight loss, it is not the sole explanation for the current increase.
Instead, Dr. Cannon proposes that low iron levels are a significant contributing factor. Iron is vital for carrying oxygen throughout the body. While iron-deficient individuals may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations, hair loss can sometimes be the only discernible symptom. Dr. Cannon explained that when the body is low in iron, it prioritizes oxygen delivery to vital organs, diverting it away from hair follicles. Iron deficiency has historically been a common issue for women, affecting approximately one in ten due to heavy menstrual periods. However, dietary changes, such as restrictive vegetarian and vegan diets that exclude dairy, can also lead to iron depletion if not carefully managed.
Dr. Cannon recommends that any woman experiencing hair loss should consult their GP for a ferritin blood test. This test measures the body's iron reserves. If diagnosed with iron deficiency, treatment typically involves iron supplements, which can improve ferritin levels within weeks. Visible hair regrowth, however, may take three to six months of consistent supplementation. Some individuals may experience side effects from iron tablets, such as nausea or constipation, but taking supplements every other day can often alleviate these issues while remaining effective.
Beyond iron deficiency, Dr. Cannon highlighted other common causes of hair loss. These include the menopause, where declining estrogen levels can affect hair density. Hormone replacement therapy is often prescribed for thinning hair related to menopause and can yield noticeable improvements. Breastfeeding also causes estrogen levels to dip, leading many new mothers to notice increased hair shedding. An underactive thyroid, which regulates metabolism, can also cause hair thinning alongside symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. Daily thyroxine tablets usually resolve this condition and restore hair growth.
Scalp conditions like dermatitis or psoriasis can also contribute to hair loss, and a GP will assess for these. In rarer cases, sudden, patchy bald spots or rapid hair loss accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fevers, or a general feeling of being unwell could indicate a more serious underlying health issue, including cancer, requiring urgent medical attention.
Dr. Cannon concluded that for the majority of women, hair loss is common, usually explainable, and often treatable once the correct diagnosis is made through appropriate testing.