Should I get a blood test if my hair is thinning?

Author: Matilda Mills DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, March 23, 2023

If your doctor suspects that an underlying medical condition may be the cause of hair loss, a blood test or scalp biopsy may be recommended. All of these diagnostic tests can be conducted in your dermatologist's office.

What tests should be done for hair loss?

You might also have tests, such as the following:
  • Blood test. This might help uncover medical conditions that can cause hair loss.
  • Pull test. Your doctor gently pulls several dozen hairs to see how many come out. ...
  • Scalp biopsy. ...
  • Light microscopy.

What am I lacking if my hair is thinning?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

Should I see a doctor for thinning hair?

It's best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it's FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it's important to rule out these causes.

When should I be worried about hair thinning?

When to see a doctor. See your doctor if you're concerned about how much hair you are losing every day. A gradual thinning on the top of your head, the appearance of patchy or bald spots on your scalp, and full-body hair loss are signs that there may be an underlying health condition.

I took a blood test to find out why my hair is falling out :(

Does hair grow back after thinning?

Although hair re-growth may be possible, you should also know when to seek professional help. If the reason for thinning hair is genetics, it will not grow back on its own. To grow back a healthy, full head of hair, you'll need to take action, and that involves reviewing different hair loss options.

What underlying medical conditions cause hair loss?

Symptom of a medical illness — Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of a medical illness, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), syphilis, a thyroid disorder (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), a sex-hormone imbalance or a serious nutritional problem, especially a deficiency of protein, iron, zinc or ...

What can doctors do for thinning hair?

Medications used to treat thinning hair include:
  • Minoxidil: Over-the-counter medication applied to the scalp.
  • Spironolactone and finasteride: Prescription medications taken orally.

What can a dermatologist do for hair thinning?

Injections of corticosteroids: To help your hair regrow, your dermatologist injects this medication into the bald (or thinning) areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist's office for treatment.

How do I fix my thinning hair?

Follow these tips.
  1. Keep your hair moisturized. One of the main reasons your hair is breaking off could be that you aren't applying enough moisture to your hair. ...
  2. Target split ends early on. ...
  3. Braid your hair up before shampooing. ...
  4. Go easy on the heat. ...
  5. Use a pre-wash moisturizer. ...
  6. Shampoo correctly.

Can thin hair become thick again?

Here's the hard truth: Little can be done to permanently change the diameter of individual hair strands. Thickening products can do wonders to temporarily plump hair strands, but when it comes down to it, fine hair is genetic and can't be changed.

What does hair thinning indicate?

It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.

What is the best vitamin for thinning hair?

Thinning hair? You might not be getting enough of these important vitamins and nutrients.
...
The 5 Best Vitamins for Hair Loss Prevention, Based on Research
  1. Biotin. Biotin (vitamin B7) is important for cells inside your body. ...
  2. Iron. ...
  3. Vitamin C. ...
  4. Vitamin D. ...
  5. Zinc.

What can doctors prescribe for female hair loss?

Hair Loss in Women: Treatments
  • Minoxidil (Rogaine)
  • Androgen Receptor Inhibitors.
  • Estrogen and Progesterone.
  • Oral Contraceptives.
  • Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  • Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)
  • Dutasteride (Avodart)
  • Cyproterone Acetate with Ethinyloestradiol (Diane 35, Diane 50)

What blood tests for female hair loss?

Tests for Hair Loss in Women
  • Hormone levels (DHEA, testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, follicular stimulating hormone, and leutinizing hormone)
  • Serum iron, serum ferritin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC)
  • Thyroid levels (T3, T4, TSH)
  • VDRL (a screening test for syphilis)
  • Complete blood count (CBC)

Can hair thinning be reversed in females?

The only medicine approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness is minoxidil: It is applied to the scalp. For women, the 2% solution or 5% foam is recommended. Minoxidil may help hair grow in about 1 in 4 or 5 of women.

What blood test shows hair loss?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Blood Test, LC/MS

The Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Blood Test measures DHT levels in the blood to help determine the cause of male pattern hair loss and prostate problems.

Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?

Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.

Why is my hair thinning female?

In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body — for instance, a thyroid problem, a shift in hormones, a recent pregnancy, or an inflammatory condition. Hair loss may also be genetic. The most common genetic condition is known as female-pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia.

Is there a pill for thinning hair?

Finasteride slows the rate of hair loss and stimulates new hair growth by inhibiting the body's production of a hormone that destroys hair follicles. This medication is taken once a day by mouth and is most effective when taken at the same time each day.

How can I fix my thinning hair naturally?

Natural hair regrowth treatment options
  1. Massage. Massaging the scalp, which people can combine with hair oils and masks, stimulates the scalp and may improve hair thickness . ...
  2. Aloe vera. Aloe vera has long been used for treating hair loss. ...
  3. Coconut oil. ...
  4. Viviscal. ...
  5. Fish oil. ...
  6. Ginseng. ...
  7. Onion juice. ...
  8. Rosemary oil.

What helps thinning hair grow back?

Use a Topical Treatment

The only topical treatment that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for female hair loss is minoxidil, better known by the brand name Women's Rogaine. "Topical minoxidil is the gold standard of treatment," Dr. Zeichner said.

What autoimmune diseases cause hair thinning?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system mistakenly attacks a part of your body. When you have alopecia areata, cells in your immune system surround and attack your hair follicles (the part of your body that makes hair).

What is the best shampoo for hair thinning?

Healthline's picks of the best shampoos for thinning hair
  • The Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar.
  • Jack Black True Volume Thickening Shampoo.
  • Renpure Originals Biotin & Collagen Thickening Shampoo.
  • Nutrafol Root Purifier.
  • Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo.
  • BIOLAGE Full Density Thickening Shampoo.

How fast does hair thinning progress?

It usually takes 15-25 years to go bald, but can be quicker. Typically, at first the hair begins to thin (recede) at the sides (temples). At the same time, the hair usually becomes thin on the top of the head. A bald patch gradually develops in the middle of the scalp.

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