Struggling with Hair loss ? These Blood Tests Could Reveal the Cause
Hair loss or Alopecia, is a clinical condition that has become an increasingly common issue these days. Many causes are known to have a role in Alopecia, including Female and Male pattern baldness , stress, nutritional deficiencies , infections , medical conditions , and certain medications.?
Hair loss: Causes
Androgenic Alopecia -?Also known as Hereditary Alopecia , is the most common cause of hair loss wherein hair loss may follow the typical male pattern (receding front hairline and/or thinning hair at the top of the head). In women , hair loss may occur over the entire top or crown of the scalp , sparing the front.?
Telogen Effluvium -?A condition where the hair stays in the resting (telogen phase) of the hair growth cycle,? leading to excessive shedding. Normally, hair falls out naturally during this phase, but with Telogen Effluvium, more hair than usual is lost. It can be triggered by severe stress, rapid weight loss , thyroid conditions, pregnancy and other factors .?
Anagen Effluvium -?In this condition,?there is?rapid hair fall?during the growth ( Anagen ) phase of the hair growth cycle . Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy may show this pattern of hairfall.?
Alopecia Areata -?An autoimmune condition that causes?sudden hair loss?in patches .?
Traction Alopecia -?Putting hair into tight hairstyles like tight buns or ponytails and braids may cause the hair to become loose or break .?
Drug -induced Alopecia? - Anti-hypertensives, anti- arrhythmics, statins, anti-metabolites, psychotropic agents, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, antiretrovirals, and H2 blockers are among the drugs that cause hair loss.?
Nutritional Deficiencies?- Extreme diets that lack sufficient protein or are deficient in vitamins and minerals essential for hair growth , can sometimes cause excessive shedding of hair.
Tinea Capitis-?Commonly known as ringworm on the scalp, can cause temporary patchy hair loss on the head .?
Hair loss : Diagnostic Blood tests?
While there are multiple reasons for hair thinning and hair loss, several underlying causes can be identified through your blood reports. Let?s find out how :?
Complete Blood Count ( CBC )?- The amount of Red and White Blood Cells and other values may help to rule out Anemia .?
Iron Profile -?Iron? deficiency is a leading cause of Hair loss. Ferritin ( Storage form of Iron ) levels are often low in menstruating women , those with anemia , and vegetarians or vegans .?
Thyroid Function Tests -?Evaluating? T3, T4 and TSH levels in the blood is essential for diagnosing Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidismboth of which can? influence hair growth and? development .
Sex Hormones -?These hormones play a big role in maintaining hair growth . Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink, and stop producing hair. If the balance between male and female hormones is disturbed? (like during puberty,? perimenopause or after menopause), blood levels of DHT can increase, leading to female pattern baldness. A sex hormone blood test includes hormones like testosterone, Oestradiol, Androstenedione. Prolactin , FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone ) and LH ( Luteinizing hormone)
Vitamins -?Clinical deficiencies of Vitamins B9 (folate ) , B7 (Biotin ) , B12 (Cobalamin ) , Vitamin- C and Vitamin- D have been associated with hair loss. Ensuring adequate levels of these vitamins is crucial for maintaining healthy hair growth.
Inflammatory markers -?ESR ( Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate ) and CRP ( C- Reactive Protein ) helps to identify inflammation that may be contributing to the hair loss .?
Minerals-?Deficiency of Selenium ( involved in thyroid hormone metabolism ) , Zinc (essential for a variety of cellular functions ) may also lead to hair thinning or loss .?
Lipid Profile - High levels of LDL not only increases heart problems but can also contribute to? hair fall .?
If you are concerned about hair loss, contact us to schedule the necessary blood tests. Once you receive your results, you can book a consultation with our specialist doctors to discuss your findings in detail and receive tailored treatment recommendations.
