Hair loss can be extremely distressing yet is commonly experienced by many women. In fact, over 50% of women will experience female pattern hair loss as they age, which is a predominantly genetic condition. Hair loss can also be attributed to nutrient deficiencies, stress (physical, metabolic and emotional), infections, chemical treatments and hair extensions, and hormonal imbalances such as androgen excess and low thyroid function. Because the hair re-growth cycle is naturally (and frustratingly) slow, it is important to get tested first to be confident in your treatment plan.
The following is a list of blood tests that can be helpful to understand the root cause of hair loss in women, regardless of their age:
- Nutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin D)
- Thyroid panel, including thyroid antibodies
- Celiac screen
Additional blood work may be considered depending on the patient’s age and medical history. For example, in younger women screening for excess androgens is often indicated. Once a treatment plan is started, hair re-growth is typically seen within 6 months. Questions about your hair loss? Please ask at your next appointment!
References
Ho, C. H., Sood, T., & Zito, P. M. (2021). Androgenetic Alopecia. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
Yorulmaz, A., Hayran, Y., Ozdemir, A. K., Sen, O., Genc, I., Gur Aksoy, G., & Yalcin, B. (2022). Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 patients with telogen effluvium. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(6), 2610–2617. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14413