If you are experiencing significant hair loss despite dietary changes, it is time to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Low Ferritin levels may be a major cause of hair loss. To help correct this condition, you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements or making any lifestyle changes.

Your body relies on the iron in red blood cells to carry oxygen. Without enough iron, your red blood cells can't deliver enough oxygen. But too much iron is bad, too. Both high and low iron levels are serious problems. If your doctor suspects you have iron deficiency or iron overload, he or she will order a ferritin test. This test measures the amount of iron stored in your body, giving your doctor a picture of your iron levels.

Iron is a trace element that plays an important role in the body, synthesizing hemoglobin. Iron is needed for the activity of many proteins and participates in oxidation-reduction reactions, controlling energy production, mitochondrial respiration and DNA synthesis. The total amount of iron in the body is 0.008% of body weight.