Trichological blood tests measure several factors related to hair loss:
- Thyroid hormone levels
- Sex hormone levels
- Iron and ferritin levels
- Complete blood count
- Vitamin D levels
- Vitamin B levels
- Blood sugar levels
- ESR and C-reactive protein levels
Here’s a rundown of each type of blood test and what it can show you about your hair.
Thyroid levels
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause hair loss if left untreated. Your thyroid produces hormones known as TSH, FT3 and FT4. A blood test measures how much of each hormone you’re producing, determining whether you have an overactive or underactive thyroid.
Sex hormones
Sex hormone levels play a big part in maintaining hair growth in women as well as men. Women produce testosterone, which metabolises into DHT. DHT binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair.
As well as thyroid hormones, a blood test typically measures sex hormone levels, including:
- Testosterone
- Oestradiol
- Androstenedione
- Prolactin
- FSH (follicular-stimulating hormone)
- Luteinizing hormone.
Hormone levels can also indicate the presence of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, which has also been linked to hair loss.
Hair loss is a less common symptom of anaemia, or iron deficiency. There may also be a link between iron deficiency and hair texture.
Studies have shown that levels of serum ferritin (the blood protein that contains iron) are lower in women with female pattern hair loss than those with healthy hair. Lack of iron may also contribute to the development of alopecia areata [3]. So testing your iron and ferritin levels can give an insight into which type of hair loss you have.
Complete blood count
CBC or full blood count measures individual components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can indicate signs of inflammation around the hair follicles, signaling an autoimmune condition which might be triggering hair loss.
Vitamin D levels
Lack of vitamin D has been linked with autoimmunity, so it may worsen or cause autoimmune hair loss conditions like alopecia areata [4]. Research also suggests vitamin D deficiency can play a part in the progression of female pattern hair loss.
Vitamin B levels
There are several different B vitamins, many of which have been linked with hair loss. These include:
- Folate (vitamin B9) — folate (also known as folic acid) may contribute to the development of alopecia areata
- Biotin (vitamin B7)
- Vitamin B12 — may also contribute to alopecia areata development . Hair loss blood tests will check your vitamin B levels to test for deficiency.
Blood sugar
The blood sugar level is an important indicator of diabetes. In particular, type 2 diabetes maybe linked to hair loss. One study found that type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased risk of severe hair loss on the central scalp in African-American women.
ESR and C-reactive protein
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels can indicate systemic inflammation. Certain types of scarring alopecia are often associated with inflammation around the hair follicles.
Where should you get hair loss blood tests done?
In some cases, your GP will perform the necessary blood tests for you. Hair loss blood tests carried out through your GP are usually free.
However, a GP may not read the results in the same way as a trichologist. What’s considered normal for your general health may still be damaging your hair. Take your test results to a professional trichologist for further analysis.
You can also get blood tests done at a private hair clinic. Our team can diagnose your hair loss condition based on your hair loss blood tests, regardless of your age, sex, or gender. We’ll then use this information to create a personalised treatment plan for you.