Understanding hair shedding
Blood Tests and Hair Loss
Blood tests are one part of a hair loss assessment. At Carmen Du Preez Trichology, blood test results may be reviewed where relevant as part of a broader trichology assessment.
The pattern, timing, scalp health and history all matter.
A helpful place to start
You do not need blood tests before booking a trichology consultation.
Your next step
Where are you in the process?
If you have results
Bring them with you
If you already have recent results, bring them with you. Carmen can consider relevant results as part of your history.
If results are normal
Look at the full picture
Normal blood results do not explain every cause of hair shedding.
Understanding normal results ↓
If you have no tests
Start with assessment
You do not need to arrange a broad panel of blood tests before a trichology consultation.
What Carmen looks at ↓
Normal results, but still shedding?
Normal blood results do not explain every cause of hair shedding. Recent illness, stress or inherited hair loss may still be relevant, and more than one factor can be involved. Ongoing shedding is a reason to review the history and scalp findings, rather than assume that a result within the reference range needs to be raised for hair growth.
Your GP or dermatologist should interpret medical test results alongside your symptoms and medical history, and decide whether further investigation is needed.
Ferritin needs context too
Ferritin is a marker of stored iron.
Inflammation can raise ferritin, so a result within the reference range does not always exclude iron deficiency. This needs medical interpretation; it is not a reason to assume that everyone with shedding needs more iron.
Your GP can assess whether iron deficiency is present, investigate its cause and advise whether treatment is needed.
Doctor-selected investigations
Which blood tests may be relevant?
For example, when investigating diffuse shedding, the following may be considered:
1
Vitamin B12
To check for vitamin B12 deficiency when symptoms, diet or absorption concerns suggest a possible deficiency.
2
Ferritin and iron studies
Ferritin and, where appropriate, other iron studies, to assess iron status.
3
Thyroid function
Thyroid function tests, when thyroid disease is a possible contributor.
These are examples, not a checklist for everyone. Other tests may be appropriate if your doctor identifies a specific concern from your symptoms, diet, medications or medical history. You do not need to arrange a broad panel of blood tests before a trichology consultation.
At your consultation
Looking at your hair and scalp together
A trichologist does not replace your GP or dermatologist. Medical testing, interpretation of results, diagnosis and prescription treatment belong with your doctor. Carmen can assess the hair and scalp, consider relevant results as part of the history and guide you towards medical support when needed.
1
Your history
We discuss when the change started, your health, medications, diet and any relevant blood results you already have.
2
Your scalp and hair
Carmen assesses the hair and scalp, with trichoscopy or high-magnification scalp imaging where appropriate.
3
Your next steps
Carmen can guide you towards medical support when needed. You are welcome to see your own GP or preferred doctor.
Common questions
Blood tests and hair loss: FAQs
Related information
Why is my hair still shedding if my blood tests are normal?
Why is my hair shedding so much?
Hair shedding and telogen effluvium
A practical next step
Concerned about ongoing shedding?
A trichology assessment at the Perth clinic can help look at the scalp, hair and possible contributing factors. If you already have recent blood test results, bring them with you.
Medical testing, diagnosis and treatment remain with your GP or dermatologist.