Iron

What is Iron?

A mineral your body needs to make red blood cells; ferritin shows your stores.

Key facts at a glance

How it's thought to work

Hair follicles are very active, so they suffer early when iron runs low.

What the research says

Low ferritin is associated with telogen effluvium and pattern thinning in women.

How it's used

Ask your doctor for a ferritin test; they'll advise dose and duration.

Why the diagnosis matters

Iron deficiency can accompany heavy menstrual bleeding, restricted diets, gastrointestinal blood loss and other conditions. Ferritin reflects iron stores but is also influenced by inflammation; interpretation depends on the full clinical picture. Diffuse shedding is not proof of low iron, and treating a presumed deficiency without testing can miss another cause.

Supplementing safely

Iron can cause nausea and constipation, and excess iron can be harmful. A clinician can determine whether testing and treatment are appropriate and investigate why stores are low. Neither FOLIGAIN® Minoxidil nor a store-brand equivalent corrects iron deficiency; Minoxidil may address coexisting hereditary thinning, which is a separate question.

The good and the not-so-good

A quick, balanced look before you decide whether it belongs in your routine.

What it pairs well with

People often combine ingredients. These combinations are common — check with a pharmacist or doctor if you use prescription products.

• Vitamin C (helps absorption)

A friendly safety note

This page is general education, not medical advice. Patch-test new topicals, stop if your scalp becomes irritated, and see a doctor or dermatologist for sudden, patchy or painful hair loss. Talk to a professional before starting supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take medication or have a health condition.