Understanding Blood Panels For Hair Loss - When Are They Needed?

At NHLMA, we recognize that hair health is closely connected to overall health. One of the most effective ways to understand and address hair loss is through looking at the underlying causes, and one way we effectively are able to do so is through comprehensive blood panels. These panels allow us to pinpoint specific deficiencies and imbalances that may be contributing to hair thinning or loss and effectively treat it. Here's a breakdown of the key blood tests we offer and why they matter for your hair health:

1. Vitamin B12 and Folates

Why We Test: Vitamin B12 and folates are crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. A deficiency can lead to anemia, which affects the oxygen supply to hair follicles, potentially causing hair thinning and loss.

What We Look For: Low levels of B12 and folates can indicate a need for dietary changes or supplementation to improve overall hair health.

2. Iron

Why We Test: Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your cells, including hair follicles. An iron deficiency can result in poor oxygenation, leading to weakened hair and increased shedding.

What We Look For: We measure serum iron levels to ensure your body has enough iron to support healthy hair growth.

3. A1c 

Why We Test: A1c tests provide a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation to the scalp, negatively affecting hair growth.

What We Look For: High A1c levels may indicate insulin resistance or diabetes, conditions that require management to promote better hair health.

4. Copper

Why We Test: Copper plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of blood vessels, nerves, and immune function. It also helps maintain the health of hair follicles.

What We Look For: Both deficiencies and excesses of copper can lead to hair issues. We aim for balanced levels to support optimal hair growth.

5. Zinc

Why We Test: Zinc is vital for tissue growth and repair, including hair tissue. It also helps keep the oil glands around the hair follicles working properly.

What We Look For: Low zinc levels can lead to hair loss and slower hair regrowth. Proper zinc levels help maintain the integrity of hair follicles.

6. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Why We Test: TSH levels help assess thyroid function. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to hair loss by disrupting the normal cycle of hair growth.

What We Look For: Abnormal TSH levels indicate thyroid imbalances, which we can address to help restore healthy hair growth.

7. Ferritin

Why We Test: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it when needed. Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency before it shows up in serum iron levels.

What We Look For: We assess ferritin levels to ensure adequate iron storage, crucial for preventing hair thinning and loss.

8. Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy

Why We Test: Vitamin D is important for hair follicle cycling. Deficiency in vitamin D is linked to alopecia, a condition causing significant hair loss.

What We Look For: We check vitamin D levels to ensure they're within the optimal range to support hair growth and prevent thinning.

Blood panels are a critical tool in treating hair loss. By understanding and addressing deficiencies in these key areas, we can create a personalized treatment plan to improve your hair health. At NHLMA, our comprehensive blood tests are the first step toward restoring your hair and confidence. If you're experiencing hair loss, contact us today to schedule your blood panel and start your journey to healthier hair. If you have already had bloodwork done and would like further guidance in your results from a hair loss perspective, please use our link to request a no charge consultation.

NHLMA is happy to be able to assist with blood work in any state. Find out more in a complimentary consultation.

Complimentary Hair Check: A microscopic scalp evaluation is a simple, noninvasive, rapid and efficient technique for measuring hair follicle activity. See immediately your hair density and areas that are likely to be affected by hair loss.

Internal wellbeing test: Hair follicular testing options are available to see your own specific vitamin deficiencies, environmental interferences, up to 400 food intolerances, gut and cardiovascular health, and much more, all with a comprehensive consultation with our in-house CNC nutritionist who specializes in epigenetic testing.