European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A CORRELATION STUDY BETWEEN DECREASED IRON LEVELS AND THE COMMON CAUSES OF PATTERNED HAIR LOSS

*Asmaa Mesbah Abutartour Postgraduate and Khayriya Hussein Sharteel Lecturer

ABSTRACT

Background: Patterned hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common form of hair loss affecting both men and women, often with significant psychological impact. While genetic and hormonal factors are established contributors, emerging evidence points to iron deficiency as a potential modifiable risk factor. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between decreased iron levels measured via serum ferritin and the severity of patterned hair loss in adult males and females. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adults (50 males, 50 females) diagnosed with patterned hair loss. Demographic data, clinical examinations, and laboratory analyses including serum ferritin, hemoglobin, and iron profiles were collected. Hair loss severity was graded and statistical correlations between ferritin levels and hair loss. Results: Females had significantly lower serum ferritin (23.7 ± 12.1 ng/mL) and hemoglobin levels compared to males (42.5 ± 18.6 ng/mL), with a higher proportion showing moderate-to-severe hair loss. A moderate negative correlation was found between ferritin levels and hair loss severity in females (r = –0.52, p < 0.001), and a weaker correlation in males (r = –0.28, p = 0.047). Individuals with more advanced hair loss had significantly lower ferritin levels across both genders. Conclusion: Iron deficiency, as indicated by low serum ferritin, is significantly associated with increased severity of patterned hair loss, particularly in women. These findings support the inclusion of iron status evaluation in the clinical assessment of hair loss. Recommendations: Routine screening for iron deficiency in patients with patterned alopecia especially premenopausal women may help inform treatment strategies. Iron supplementation should be considered in those with low ferritin, even if hemoglobin is normal. Further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic impact of correcting iron deficiency on hair regrowth.

Keywords: Patterned Hair Loss, Iron Deficiency and Serum Ferritin.