Hair Loss Blood Test
Mar 4, 2026
Hair Loss Blood Test
A hair loss blood test investigates the most common medical causes of hair thinning and shedding—including thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency (the most common cause in women), hormone imbalances, vitamin D deficiency, and zinc deficiency—because identifying and treating the underlying cause can often reverse or stop hair loss. Don't just accept hair loss as inevitable; find out if there's something treatable causing it.
At Blood Test London, our hair loss panel costs from £295 with results in 2-3 days. A doctor always reviews every result, helping identify what's causing your hair loss and what can be done.
Find Out Why You're Losing Hair
Why Blood Tests for Hair Loss?
Hair loss has many causes—some are treatable, some aren't. Blood tests identify the treatable causes:
Cause | Treatable? | Blood Test Detects? |
|---|---|---|
Iron deficiency | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Thyroid dysfunction | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Vitamin D deficiency | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Zinc deficiency | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Hormonal imbalance | ✓ Often | ✓ Yes |
PCOS | ✓ Manageable | ✓ Yes |
Androgenetic alopecia | Partially | Hormone testing helps |
Alopecia areata | Sometimes | Autoimmune markers help |
Stress/telogen effluvium | ✓ Time | Cortisol, general health |
Up to 50% of hair loss has a treatable underlying cause.
What Our Hair Loss Panel Tests
Iron Studies (Most Important for Women)
Marker | What It Shows | Optimal for Hair |
|---|---|---|
Ferritin | Iron stores | Above 70 μg/L for optimal hair growth |
Serum iron | Circulating iron | Mid-range |
TIBC | Iron-binding capacity | Normal range |
Transferrin saturation | Iron transport | 20-50% |
Critical insight: Many women are told their iron is "normal" when ferritin is 20-30 μg/L. For optimal hair growth, ferritin should be at least 70 μg/L—some dermatologists recommend above 100.
Thyroid Function
Marker | Hair Connection |
|---|---|
TSH | Both high and low TSH cause hair loss |
Free T4 | Low thyroid = hair thinning |
Free T3 | Active hormone affecting hair |
Thyroid antibodies | Autoimmune thyroid disease |
Hormones
Marker | Hair Connection |
|---|---|
Testosterone | High in women → hair loss (scalp) + hair growth (face/body) |
DHEA-S | Androgen precursor |
Free androgen index | More accurate than total testosterone |
SHBG | Low SHBG = more free androgens |
Oestrogen/Progesterone | Imbalance contributes to hair loss |
Vitamins and Minerals
Marker | Hair Connection |
|---|---|
Vitamin D | Deficiency linked to hair loss |
Vitamin B12 | Deficiency causes hair thinning |
Zinc | Essential for hair growth |
Folate | Works with B12 |
Biotin | Often supplemented, deficiency rare |
General Health Markers
Marker | Why Tested |
|---|---|
Full blood count | Anaemia, general health |
Inflammation (CRP) | Chronic inflammation affects hair |
Blood sugar (HbA1c) | Diabetes can cause hair loss |
Liver/kidney function | Rule out systemic disease |
Common Findings and Solutions
Low Ferritin (Very Common)
Solution: Iron supplementation, dietary changes
Timeline: 3-6 months to see hair improvement
Target: Ferritin above 70 μg/L
Thyroid Dysfunction
Solution: Thyroid medication
Timeline: 3-6 months after thyroid normalised
Important: Treat the cause, not just the hair
High Androgens (Women)
Solutions: Anti-androgens, PCOS management
May indicate: PCOS requiring further investigation
Vitamin D Deficiency
Solution: Supplementation (usually 2,000-4,000 IU daily)
Timeline: 3-6 months
Multiple Deficiencies
Common in: Restrictive diets, malabsorption, heavy periods
Solution: Address each deficiency, investigate underlying cause
What If Blood Tests Are Normal?
If all tests are normal, other causes to consider:
Androgenetic alopecia (genetic pattern hair loss)
Telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding—usually temporary)
Alopecia areata (autoimmune—may need specialist)
Traction alopecia (from hairstyles)
Medication side effects
Our doctor can advise on next steps if tests are normal.
Our Hair Loss Testing Options
Essential Hair Loss Panel - £295
Iron studies (ferritin, iron, TIBC)
Thyroid function
Vitamin D and B12
Zinc
Doctor review
Comprehensive Hair Loss Panel - £395
All above plus:
Full hormone profile
Full blood count
Inflammation markers
Detailed interpretation
Hair Loss + Hormone Assessment - £495
Complete panel for suspected hormonal cause
PCOS screening included
Extended consultation
Book Your Hair Loss Panel
Price: From £295
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Fasting: Not required (morning preferred for hormones)
Book via WhatsApp | Phone: 020 3951 3429
FAQ
Can blood tests really help with hair loss?
Yes—up to 50% of hair loss has a treatable underlying cause that blood tests can identify.
What ferritin level do I need for hair growth?
At least 70 μg/L, though some dermatologists recommend above 100 μg/L. "Normal" (above 15) isn't optimal.
How long until hair grows back after treatment?
Typically 3-6 months to stop the loss, another 6-12 months to see regrowth. Hair grows slowly.
Should men get hair loss blood tests?
Yes, especially to rule out thyroid, iron, and vitamin issues. However, male pattern baldness is usually genetic and hormonal.
Blood Test London by The Wellness. Hair loss testing from £295. A doctor always reviews every result.