809. Ferritin & Hair Loss: What Women Over 40 Should Know

In this episode, I dig into one of the most overlooked pieces of the women’s health puzzle: ferritin. If you’ve been struggling with hair loss, stubborn fatigue, or that feeling of running on empty no matter how much you sleep, your iron reserves may be at the heart of it. I explain why standard iron testing so often misses the real story, how ferritin acts as your body’s savings account for iron, and why hair loss is frequently one of the earliest warning signs that something is off beneath the surface.

I also walk through the factors that quietly deplete your reserves, from heavy periods and gut absorption issues to inflammation that can artificially mask a deficiency. Most importantly, I share what real recovery looks like, including why patience and a personalized, root-cause approach matter so much when you’re rebuilding your iron stores.

If this episode resonates with you and you’re ready to stop guessing about what your body needs, I’d love to help you get clarity. You can book a free strategy call with our team to talk through your symptoms and explore whether comprehensive testing and a personalized plan are the right next step for you. Sometimes the fastest way forward is simply having someone help you connect the dots.

Free Ferritin PDF Download: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/the-ferritin-pdf-download Grab a time here: https://calendly.com/dr-beth-westie/program-discovery-call

Chapters

  • 00:00 — Introduction to hair loss and the importance of ferritin
  • 02:11 — Common misconceptions about iron testing
  • 04:11 — Ferritin as a reserve, not just circulating iron
  • 06:21 — Ferritin as an early warning sign
  • 08:46 — Why hair loss occurs before other symptoms
  • 09:40 — The importance of comprehensive testing
  • 11:16 — Diffuse shedding vs. patchy hair loss
  • 12:16 — Regrowth delays and the need for patience
  • 13:13 — Timing and long-term recovery
  • 14:14 — Challenges with supplements and absorption
  • 16:36 — Timeline for ferritin and hair recovery
  • 17:50 — Factors affecting iron absorption
  • 18:47 — Heavy periods and iron loss
  • 19:30 — A holistic approach to iron and health
  • 20:16 — Inflammation and ferritin levels
  • 22:40 — The importance of full iron panel testing
  • 23:39 — Next steps for personalized treatment
  • 26:18 — Long-term results and patience
  • 27:14 — Empowering women to take control of their health
  • 28:05 — Final thoughts and encouragement

Ready to get to the root of your symptoms? Book your free strategy call today and let’s build a plan that’s tailored to you: https://calendly.com/dr-beth-westie/program-discovery-call