Hair Loss: Which Blood Tests Can Help Identify the Cause?
⭐ 4.9/5 on Google · GPhC Registered · NHS & Private · Same-day appointments in Kingston
⭐ 4.9/5 on Google · GPhC Registered · NHS & Private · Same-day appointments in Kingston
Common causes of hair thinning and shedding, the blood markers that may help identify contributing factors, and how our Hair Health Checks for Men and Women can support your investigation.
Most people naturally lose between 50 and 100 hairs every day as part of the normal hair growth cycle.
Usually, these hairs are replaced with new growth.
Hair loss can affect both men and women at any age and may develop gradually or quite suddenly.
Hair growth depends on many different processes within the body.
While hereditary hair loss is very common, other factors may also contribute.
Because so many different factors can influence hair growth, identifying the underlying cause is often the first step towards deciding the most appropriate treatment or management plan.
A blood test may be worth considering when hair loss is persistent, worsening or accompanied by other symptoms.
Although blood tests cannot diagnose every cause of hair loss, they can investigate many of the common nutritional, hormonal and medical factors that may contribute.
Hair loss is often one of the earliest signs that something within the body may be out of balance.
Nutritional deficiencies and hormonal changes can affect the hair growth cycle long before other symptoms become obvious.
Rather than focusing on just one marker, our Hair Health Checks provide a comprehensive assessment of several areas known to influence healthy hair growth.
Together, these results provide a detailed overview of factors that may contribute to hair thinning and excessive shedding.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of hair loss, particularly in women.
One of the most valuable markers when investigating hair thinning is ferritin.
Ferritin reflects the body’s stored iron reserves and may become low long before anaemia develops.
Because ferritin can become depleted even when other blood results appear normal, it forms an important part of both our men’s and women’s Hair Health Checks.
Alongside ferritin, your results also include a Full Blood Count to help assess your overall blood health.
Hormones play a major role in regulating the hair growth cycle.
Changes in hormone levels may contribute to excessive shedding, thinning hair or changes in hair quality.
These biomarkers provide valuable insight into the hormonal environment that may influence hair growth and wider health.
Healthy hair follicles rely on an adequate supply of essential nutrients.
Identifying nutritional deficiencies allows appropriate treatment or further investigation where necessary.
The thyroid gland helps regulate metabolism and influences many processes throughout the body, including normal hair growth.
Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions may contribute to hair and general health changes.
These tests help determine whether thyroid health could be contributing to your symptoms.
Hair growth is influenced by overall health as well as hormones and nutrition.
Both Hair Health Checks include zinc, an essential mineral involved in several processes linked to healthy hair and skin.
Low zinc levels have been associated with hair thinning and increased shedding.
Our men’s Hair Health Check also measures cortisol, a hormone associated with the body’s response to stress.
Persistently raised cortisol levels may affect overall wellbeing and can influence the normal hair growth cycle.
These tests provide a wider overview of your health, helping identify factors that may indirectly affect hair growth and general wellbeing.
We offer dedicated Hair Health Check blood tests tailored specifically for men and women.
The men’s profile also includes a comprehensive hormone profile and cortisol assessment, while the women’s profile focuses on female hormone health, including markers relevant to perimenopause and menopause.
Most results are available within 2–5 working days after your sample reaches the laboratory.
Our pharmacy offers private Hair Health Check blood tests designed to investigate many of the common factors associated with hair loss.
Whether you are experiencing increased hair shedding, thinning hair or changes in hair quality, our comprehensive blood tests can provide valuable information about your nutritional status, hormone levels, thyroid function and general health.
Following your test, your results are reviewed by a healthcare professional, helping you understand whether any findings may require further medical assessment or treatment.
If you are concerned about hair loss, understanding the underlying cause is an important first step.
Our dedicated Hair Health Check for Men and Hair Health Check for Women investigate many of the nutritional, hormonal and medical factors that may contribute to hair thinning and excessive shedding.
With samples analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory, healthcare professional review and results typically available within 2–5 working days, you will receive a comprehensive overview of the factors that may be affecting your hair health.
If you would like to learn more or book a Hair Health Check, our pharmacy team will be happy to help you choose the most appropriate test for your needs.
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