Are you experiencing hair loss?
Hair loss can happen to everyone! Are you one of the many people who have experienced hair fall?
It’s a common problem for women, and it affects men. The difference is that men usually lose hair because of male pattern baldness, while women typically experience it as a symptom of another health problem.
There are different causes behind this symptom for women.
In this topic, I’ll go through the five hair loss tests for ladies.
It will give you five telltale results that might indicate if you’re experiencing female-patterned hair loss.
1. Blood test
Blood tests are performed to find any hormonal abnormalities, thyroid issues and low iron deficiency. What diseases of the blood may lead to hair loss?
Iron deficiency anemia
One of the blood tests is to check the level of Ferreting, a protein that indicates how much iron is saved in the body.
Ferreting levels are often low in menstruating women; those with anemia, vegetarians and vegans.
If you suffer from hair loss, a shortage of iron could be one of the causes.
According to JAAD “Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend universal screening for iron deficiency in patients with hair loss.”
Which blood test should you do?
Generally speaking, different blood tests are needed for women experiencing hair loss. In men, blood tests are usually not necessary.
The test options for women.
The blood test required varies depending on the woman’s hair loss pattern. A simple blood count (CBC), thyroid function (TSH) and iron status (Ferreting) checks are all possible.
Doctors recommend blood tests for DHEAS (hormones from the adrenal gland), androstenedione (hormones from the ovaries), and total testosterone are necessary for women with acne or increased facial hair.
Some women, including men, can suffer from autoimmune illnesses.
These people should also check the levels of certain things in their bodies, such as the levels of iron (ferritin) and B12 (ANA). While doctors also recommend checking thyroid levels (TSH), and ESR.
As there are no standard blood tests for women’s hair loss, it is important that you check with a doctor to determine which blood tests are appropriate.
The test options for men.
Blood tests are not necessary for males with male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia), but there may be exceptions.
Young men with hair loss may require cholesterol testing to assess their risk of lipid abnormalities.
2. How do dermatologists examine your hair?
Light Microscopy of the Hair
A dermatologist can inspect your hair shafts using a microscope to examine for any disorder or abnormalities.
A good result from scanning is if your hair is straight and smooth, or round.
If you have hair loss issues, your hair shafts will be thinner in diameter and shorter. In addition, it usually appears blunt at the end and tapering with a split-tip compared with normal hair.
Hair Analysis
This is done by collecting hair with roots from different parts of your body and sending it to the laboratory.
For women, a DNA test is used to examine hair follicle cells. The findings will tell you whether your hair is growing or resting.
Furthermore, it usually appears blunt at the end and appears tapering with a split-tip compared with normal hair.
3. Tug test and pull test are important.
The tug test and the pull test are excellent ways to measure the severity of hair loss.
Pull test.
If six or more strands come out, then you have what’s known as ‘active’ hair, indicating one of the five following hair loss conditions:
1. Telogen effluvium, a condition in which hair falls, resulting in an interruption in the body’s cycle of hair growth.
2. Anagen effluvium, or rapid hair loss caused by medical therapy.
3. Loose anagen syndrome, which most often appears in children, occurs when hair is not firmly anchored in the follicle.
4. Androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss,
5. Advanced alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys healthy tissues, such as the hair follicles.
Tug test.
During a tug test, the doctor grasps a section of hair and holds it with two hands. One near its root and another halfway down the strand.
Then the doctor tries to pull steadily the strand without breaking the middle part.
This simple test gives the doctor an idea of whether you’re prone to fragile or strong strands!
4. Diagnostic test.
Medical record
Your dermatologist or doctor will ask you questions to identify the source of your hair loss.
Questions about your hair loss might be when it started, what patterning you have, whether you usually wear certain haircuts, or if your hair loss is hereditary.
You may also be asked about your diet.
The dermatologist may ask you if you have any other medical problems. This will help the dermatologist determine reasons, why your hair fell out.
5. Other tests
In modern laboratories, dermatologists may use either a card test or digital assessment system like Folliscope to check if your hair is healthy.
Fungal Culture
A fungal culture is a test made in the lab. It can tell you if there is fungus on your hair or scalp cells.
A dermatologist’s examination is used to diagnose tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, as the source of your hair loss.
A biopsy or under the microscope
Other tests that can be carried out are physical examination and trichometric testing, whereby your dermatologist can tell possible causes of your hair loss.
If they are not sure what is happening, they might do a scalp biopsy.
A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the scalp using a tiny instrument called a punch.
A dermatologist uses an instrument the size and shape of a pencil to puncture your scalp.
A sample is taken from this incision, which will then be sent for testing and diagnosed with possible causes or outcomes based on what’s found.
Final thoughts
Hair loss is a frequent problem. It might be caused by a range of factors, including medications, diseases, and hereditary disorders.
It’s important to know that there are several investigations methods available today, such as con focal microscopy, scanning and transmitted electron microscopy, hair tensile strength, amino acid analysis, hair mineral analysis etc.
These have not been included in this review, but I am glad to answer any questions you may have or share this post if you know of anyone who might find
Resources
- Walk-in-Lab – Blood test for hair loss prevention
- NYU Langone Health – Diagnosing hair loss
- What is Alopecia, treatments and scalp examination by Dr. C.L. Anthony – a video presentation
Disclosure: Just a heads up: My articles may include affiliate links! If you buy something after clicking one of those links, you will not pay any extra money, but I will get a small commission. Many thanks for your support!
Disclaimer: We do not recommend or encourage you to use any of these statements as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They are for educational purposes only. The FDA has not conducted any studies on them. If you have a medical concern, see your doctor immediately.
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I didn’t know that there were so many ways to determine why your hair is falling out. I think as we get older our hair naturally gets thinner with time, and I find most of my hair loss seems to happen at the end of summer. I lose hair every day, just way more suddenly at the end of summer each year. I wonder why that is?
Thanks for taking the time to write a review, Michel. I’m glad you found our article on hair loss helpful.
I understand your confusion about why your hair falls out more at certain times of year.
Hair growth is cyclical and it’s normal for us to lose more hairs in some seasons than others.
The good news is there are many ways to prevent or treat hair loss naturally!
You might want to check out this article about preventing hair loss.
If you have any further questions, please drop it in the box.
Good luck!
Robin
I am glad I came across this post. I have been slowly loosing my hair for years now, It’s starting to bother me and feel I should perhaps buy a wig.
My mum has hair loss too so I think it might be hereditary, but didn’t know that it could be related to thyroid or iron deficiency. So I may go to the doctors just in case.
I also heard of Segals Solutions Hair care range, so I might try this as it has some positive reviews.
I’m so glad you found our article helpful, Jenny. I hope it brings a little clarity to your situation and helps you take the next steps!
It’s great that you’re considering going to see a doctor, as hair loss can have many causes–including thyroid disease or an iron deficiency.
If that is something that resonates with you, it would be worth exploring those possibilities as well as other factors such as medications or stress.
Segals Solutions Hair care range sounds like something worth checking out too!
If I can be of further help, let me know.
Cheers
Robin
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For more details and inquiries, please contact them.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, Jhem!
I’m glad to hear that our product has been helpful in your hair regrowth journey!
I am always seeking feedback from customers about how we can improve or change products, so please let me know if there’s anything specific you would like us to work on next!
Good luck!
Robin