Blood Tests for Hair Loss: Unlocking Hair Health

Are you experiencing a sudden hair loss and wondering about slow hair growth? When the hair loss becomes severe, it might be due to underlying health conditions. Losing hair can be a stressful experience and leave you in trouble about what’s causing it and how to stop it. You might be searching on the internet for the answer to hair loss. Some sources blame genetics, and some state that it might be the cause of excessive stress and anxiety or the use of harsh shampoo, but if you want to know the exact cause of hair loss, then consult with your doctor. Based on your blood test reports, your doctor may help you find the exact cause of hair loss. Here in this article, we will find the cause of hair loss and important blood tests for hair loss to detect the root problems. 

Hair Loss: Causes and Diagnosis

1. Genetics- Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss, is the most common cause, often running in families. It’s triggered by sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Some other genetic conditions, like alopecia areata, cause patchy hair loss and cicatricial alopecia, which results in scarring and permanent hair loss. 

2. Hormonal Changes-  During pregnancy and post-pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, and PCOD, the body experiences hormonal changes that might cause temporary hair loss. 

3. Medical Conditions- People suffering from autoimmune diseases like lupus or alopecia areata can attack hair follicles, causing hair loss. Certain scalp infections like ringworm and fungal infections can also cause hair loss. People getting certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause temporary hair loss as a side effect.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies- Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, biotin, and other essential nutrients can impact hair growth and lead to hair loss.

5. Stress and Lifestyle Factors – Emotional and physical stress can trigger hair loss issues. Tight hairstyles, excessive hair styling practices, and chemical treatments can damage hair follicles, weaken hair, and cause hair loss. 

Essential Blood Tests for Hair Loss

Your doctor can help you identify the cause of hair loss based on medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors to understand the potential causes. Blood tests can help to identify the hormonal imbalances, thyroid functioning, and nutritional deficiencies that might contribute to hair loss- 

• Vitamin D Test –  Deficiencies of Vitamin D can cause hair loss. Get the Vitamin D test to identify the deficiency and dietary changes or to fulfill the vitamin D requirements. 
• Vitamin B12 Test– Check for vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause brittle hair and hair loss. People who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets or have digestive issues and those over 60 years old must take the Vitamin B12 test. 
• Thyroid Test–  An overactive or underactive thyroid can disrupt your hair growth cycle. Thyroid function tests can reveal these imbalances, and proper treatment can bring your hormones and hair growth back into balance. 
• Iron Studies with Ferritin Test–  The test measures the iron levels in the blood. Low iron levels might cause hair loss, fatigue, and other symptoms. Iron studies with ferritin can help you know your iron levels, and if there is a deficiency, consult your reports with your doctor and take iron supplements to get your hair growth back on track. 
• Sex hormone test–  Hormonal changes, like those during pregnancy, menopause, or with PCOS, can affect hair growth. Take blood tests like testosterone, DHEA, and female hormone screenings to check hormone levels. 
• CBC Test– The CBC test helps to measure blood components to diagnose various disorders, including anemia caused by iron deficiency and hair loss. The test provides information about white blood cells and platelets, which can help identify potential inflammatory conditions contributing to hair loss.
• Blood Sugar Levels- Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can affect hair growth and cause severe hair loss.   Monitoring blood sugar levels is important for people with diabetes or suspected insulin resistance. Get an Hba1c test from nearby labs to know the status of your blood sugar levels.
• ESR and C-reactive protein levels-  ESR and C-reactive tests are the markers of inflammation in the body. Elevated levels can indicate an underlying autoimmune condition like lupus, which can cause hair loss. The ESR and C-reactive protein tests are ordered in conjunction with other tests to rule out inflammatory causes of hair loss. 

How to prevent Hair fall?

While you cannot completely stop hair fall, you can do several things to stop hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. Here are some tips-  

• Eat healthy- The diet is the most important part that fulfills all your daily protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals like zinc and biotin requirements, essential for healthy hair growth. So, consume healthily and stay hydrated to nourish your hair follicles. Also, avoid unhealthy habits that may cause inflammation and hair loss. 

• Hair Care –  Choosing the right shampoo for your hair type and texture. Consult your doctor for the best recommendation. Harsh shampoos and excessive washing may weaken and damage your hair roots. Moreover, regular oiling and scalp massage can improve blood circulation to promote hair growth. 

• Manage stress- Many research studies show that stress and anxiety may trigger hair loss. So, if you are noticing excessive hair loss, get some time for yourself and practice yoga and meditation. Don’t compensate your sleep with work; get enough sleep of 7-8 hours daily.

• Get tested- If you are experiencing severe hair loss, it might be due to health issues like hormonal changes, iron deficiency, or thyroid dysfunction. Consult with your doctor and get a blood test for hair loss. 

Get Tested and Take Control of Your Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common issue that affects both men and women. While hair loss can be frustrating, understanding the potential causes through blood tests can help you manage your condition. Regular blood tests for hair loss can track your progress and ensure your treatment plan works. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can get your hair health back on track and regain your confidence. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor for a blood test if you’re experiencing hair loss. Follow the healthy tips to prevent hair fall and get blood tests for hair loss from nearby Redcliffe labs.