Which Blood Tests Can Help with Hair Fall & Nutritional Deficiencies?
Many times, we suffer from hair loss. It’s normal for you to lose several hairs each day. If you notice more scalp hair falling out, though (if you feel like you’re losing more hair on your pillow, comb or bathroom floor), this could be worrying. There are many reasons why people lose their hair. A few of those reasons are: They lived through a traumatic experience, for instance, a serious disease, or being subject to a lot of stress. Other reasons include that the body is deficient in certain vitamins/minerals.
Many people wonder about it – whether blood tests can help answer the question of ‘What is causing blood loss?’. Sometimes yes; the answer is sometimes, yes. There are some simple tests that you can have and some other tests that your doctor can have that will help to give you and your doctor a better idea of what is happening in your body.
How do people’s hair fall?
There are not one-size-fits-all causes of thinning hair. May occur due to low iron, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, thyroid issues, stress, dietary habits, hormonal shifts, or even following an illness.
Some of the factors associated with hair fall are:
- Low iron levels
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Having too few servings of protein.
- Thyroid problems
- Physical or emotional stress
The thing to be concerned about is that it should not be a guessing game. However, it is a good idea to determine the first exact cause before something works for one it will not necessarily work for another.
The following blood tests may help:
Not all these tests may be requested by your doctor. They will typically make a diagnosis based on symptoms of illness, nutrition and family medical history. Nevertheless, here are a few frequent tests to run should you have an issue with hair loss.
1. Ferritin Test
Ferritin levels give us information about the amount of iron stored in the body. A lot of people suffer from iron deficiency and might not realize it, and this may result in more shedding of hair.
In case your doctor suspects it may be due to iron deficiency, he or she may first try a ferritin test.
2. Vitamin B12 Test
Vitamin B12(also known as cobalamin) plays a key role in creating new red blood cells from hemoglobin and helping the nervous system function as its should. Low levels of Vitamin B12 may cause symptoms of a deficiency these include: Fatigue, weakness, and changes in skin and hair texture.
Your B12 level in the blood will be done as a regular checkup procedure and if the result is within the normal range, it means you do not have an abnormal level.
3. Vitamin D Test
Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because when we are in the sun our body produces vitamin D. Many people including those who spend most of the day in their homes have low Vitamin D levels without even being aware of the fact.
It has been found that deficiencies in vitamin D can contribute to some forms of hair loss; however, it seems that it is not a factor in all cases of balding. Nevertheless, it is beneficial to look it up.
4. CBC (Complete Blood Count)
CBC is a blood test that measures various components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Can be useful in detecting anemia that can be linked to iron and hair fall.
5. Thyroid Function Test
The thyroid regulates your body’s functions, which includes your hair growth. Transitions from thick, lush hair to hair falling out more often than normal may be an indicator that your thyroid isn’t functioning well. A thyroid test (typically a TSH) will help determine if your thyroid is normal.
Hair Fall Due to Vitamin Deficiency
- Many people think that they have to buy vitamins if they are losing hair. However, this is not necessarily the case.
- Sometimes hair fall occurs due to stress, illness, hormonal changes and genes.
- However, deficiencies in one or more of these nutrients may be a factor too:
- Iron Deficiency – There is an association between iron stores and hair loss. Low levels of iron in storage can result in increased hair loss.
- Protein-Powered B12 is essential for energy, overall health and wellness. Protein-Powered B12 is important for energy and overall health and wellness.
- Vitamin D has been associated with certain types of hair loss.
- Eating protein is vital for healthy hair growth. Protein – hair requires protein for proper growth.
Rather than taking random supplements, please consider having your levels tested prior to supplementation. Unless you are determined to have a vitamin or iron deficiency, high amounts of the vitamins or iron without a knowledge of whether they are needed or not may not. May occasionally be associated with other issues.
When Do You Need a Test?
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor, as there may be blood tests that are indicated:
- You have noticed and experienced that your hair has been falling out more than usual for weeks.
- Your hair appears thinner or you’re noticing more scalp showing through.
- (You are experiencing tiredness or weakness, hair fall too)
- Due to illness, surgery or stress related issues, your hair loss began.
- You experience other symptoms, such as weakness, dizziness or an unusual feeling of fatigue
If any hair loss is sudden along with bald spots, scalp pain, redness, or scalp itching, doctors should be consulted immediately.
Where Can You Get These Tests?
Get Well Path Lab can provide you with information if you are concerned about possible nutritional deficiencies.
This company provides services to:
- Greater Noida
- Noida
- Surajpur
- Greater Noida West
To inquire about test availability, home sample collection and the testing process, please contact Get Well Path Lab.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons that may cause hair fall. Sometimes it is temporary, sometimes it’s a warning from your body that something is up. Some possible causes can be identified through blood tests such as ferritin, CBC, thyroid function, vitamin D and vitamin B12!
Discuss with a doctor if you have some hair loss that has been ongoing for some time. If you understand what your body needs then you don’t have to guess.
FAQ:
Q: Is there a way to discover the reason for hair loss through a blood test?
A: Yes, blood tests could help establish possible reasons for hair fall such as anaemia, lack of certain vitamins or thyroid disorders. Depending on your symptoms, health status, diet and hair loss pattern, your physician could advise you to take certain blood tests.
Q: Which test is performed to check for hair fall?
A: Unfortunately, there is no single blood test that would diagnose all possible causes of hair loss. The following blood tests might be helpful:
- CBC – Complete Blood Count: Detects anaemia and other blood disorders;
- Serum Ferritin: Determines iron level in the body;
- Vitamin D test: Establishes level of Vitamin D in the body;
- Vitamin B12 test: Measures level of Vitamin B12 when needed;
- Thyroid Profile (TSH): Detects thyroid dysfunction.
Depending on your situation, the doctor might order only some of the listed tests.
Q: If hair loss is occurring, does this indicate a vitamin deficiency?
A: Not always; hair loss could be caused by a lack of nutrition, such as a lack of vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron or zinc; however, it could happen without any deficiency. In order to find out if the deficiency is a reason for hair loss, a test is needed.
Q: Is iron deficiency a cause of hair loss?
A: Yes. The deficiency in iron can lead to hair loss since iron stores may be depleted. Serum ferritin test can determine the amount of stored iron, and CBC test will help diagnose anaemia. In case the deficiency is found, a doctor will advise what to do.
Q: Can vitamin D really help with hair loss?
A: A deficiency in vitamin D is associated with hair follicle function and can lead to some forms of hair loss. Still, the use of vitamin D will not prevent hair loss if there are enough vitamin D levels in the body or other causes exist.
Q: Does experiencing thyroid issues lead to hair thinning?
A: Yes. Thyroid diseases, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, may cause hair thinning and hair loss. The test that can determine thyroid gland malfunction is called a thyroid profile, which starts with the TSH test.
Q: What amount of hair fall is considered normal?
A: It is common to lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. Hair loss depends on the washing routine for the hair, seasons, and personal hair growth cycle. In case of continuous hair loss, thinning, hair loss, and baldness spots, one needs to consult a dermatologist.
Q: Will these tests be available at Get Well Path Lab?
A: Yes, Get Well Path Lab of Greater Noida offers various types of tests such as CBC, thyroid tests, vitamin B12, and iron tests.
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