Blood Tests You Should Get When Experiencing Hair Fall

Hair loss is quite common and can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it’s the products we use, sometimes the weather, or even changes in our routine. But what if the problem is internal rather than external?

A blood test for hair loss can reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface. While external factors matter, the root cause often lies deeper. For example, iron deficiency is a well-known trigger for hair shedding, and low Vitamin D levels have been linked to conditions like alopecia areata and pattern hair loss.

Blood tests can also detect thyroid issues, PCOS, or autoimmune disorders that quietly impact your hair health. The challenge, though, is knowing which hair fall tests to choose.

This article breaks it down — explaining the key blood tests for hair fall, what they reveal, and the supplements or treatments that may help you regain stronger, healthier hair.

Why Are Blood Tests the Foundation of Hair Loss Diagnosis?

Instead of just masking the symptoms, blood tests identify hormonal disruptions or diet deficiencies that directly affect hair growth.

Topical treatments like serums and shampoos may offer temporary help, but they don’t address what’s causing the shedding.

For example:

• Iron-deficiency anemia → Detected through ferritin and CBC tests.
• Thyroid dysfunction (hypo/hyper) → Diagnosed with TSH, T3, T4 panel.
• PCOS → Diagnosed with LH/FSH ratio & testosterone.

👉 Ultimately, blood tests transform guesswork into precision care.

Signs You May Need a Hair Loss Blood Test

• Losing 100+ strands per day
• Diffuse thinning around the crown and parting
• Sudden hair fall after fever, COVID-19, childbirth, or stress (telogen effluvium)
• Family history of baldness in 20s–30s
• Persistent scalp issues: dandruff, redness, itchiness, inflammation

If these signs sound familiar, a hair fall test is important. Early diagnosis = targeted treatment.

Blood Tests for Hair Loss: Complete Diagnostic Panel

1. CBC (Complete Blood Count)

• Detects anemia, infection, inflammation
• Low hemoglobin = poor oxygen delivery to follicles
• Chronic inflammation can weaken scalp health

Takeaway: CBC helps find anemia, infection, or inflammation-related hair loss.

2. Iron and Ferritin Levels

Ferritin = protein that stores iron. Low ferritin → chronic telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding).

Takeaway: Ferritin is the most important test for women with unexplained hair fall.

3. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D

Takeaway: Even with normal CBC, low Vitamin D or B12 disrupt hair growth.

4. Thyroid Function Tests

• Imbalances (TSH, T3, T4) → hair follicles prematurely enter telogen (resting) phase
• Both hypo and hyperthyroidism → thinning patches

Takeaway: A thyroid panel is essential if you notice thinning + fatigue/weight changes.

5. Hormonal Assessments

DHT & Androgen Panel:

• Tests: DHT, total testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS
• High levels → androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
• Women → PCOS-related thinning + excess facial hair
• Men → sensitivity to DHT → receding hairline, crown thinning

Hormonal Profile (Women):

• LH, FSH, Prolactin, Estrogen
• High LH:FSH ratio → PCOS
• Low estrogen → menopause-related thinning
• High prolactin → disrupted growth cycles

Takeaway: Hormonal testing is vital for PCOS, postpartum, menopause-related hair loss.

6. Zinc and Biotin

• Zinc & Biotin (B7) = essential for keratin production
• Deficiency → brittle, thinning, weak shafts

Takeaway: Test zinc & biotin if no other cause is found.

7. CRP and ESR (Inflammation Markers)

• CRP & ESR detect chronic inflammation & autoimmune issues
• Linked to seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis

Takeaway: Silent inflammation can damage scalp health.

At-Home Hair Tests vs Clinical Blood Tests

• Pull Test: Tug 50–60 hairs. >10% loss = active shedding
• Comb Test: Examine hair caught post-combing

⚠️ At-home tests can mislead. Clinical blood tests give objective data → identify iron, vitamin, thyroid, or hormone-related causes.

Whom to Consult for Hair Loss Diagnosis

• Dermatologist → Best for diagnosis, blood tests, prescriptions
• Trichologist → Supportive care (non-medical scalp health)

👉 Best approach: Dermatologist first → Trichologist for follow-up care.

Cost of Hair Loss Tests

• In India: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000
• Basic panel → CBC, TSH, ferritin, Vitamin D, B12
• Advanced panel → Adds hormonal markers like DHT/testosterone

💡 Tip: Get tests ordered by a dermatologist for accuracy + cost efficiency.

Vitamins & Nutrients for Hair Health

• Vitamin D → regulates follicle cycle, linked to alopecia areata
• Biotin (B7) → keratin production
• Vitamin B12 → RBCs for oxygen delivery
• Iron → most common deficiency in women

⚠️ Supplement only after testing → avoid over-supplementation risks.

FAQs

Q1. What blood test should I request for hair loss?
Comprehensive panel: CBC, ferritin, thyroid, Vitamin D, B12, testosterone, DHEAS.

Q2. What tests can diagnose hair loss?
CBC, ferritin, thyroid, Vitamin D, B12, and hormone levels.

Q3. What is the purpose of CBC?
Detects anemia or infections → both cause shedding.

Q4. Which blood test is specifically for hair?
No single test — panels usually combine CBC, ferritin, vitamins, thyroid.

Q5. Which test is best for hair health?
A combination of blood tests based on your symptoms.

Q6. How much hair loss is normal?
50–100 strands per day.

Q7. Which vitamins are essential?
Vitamin D, Biotin, B12, and Iron.

Q8. How to test if hair is unhealthy?
Dermatologist can order lab tests + trichoscopy.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to hair loss, guessing won’t help. Finding the root cause will.

• Topical treatments = temporary relief
• Blood tests = accurate, targeted treatment

👉 Book your diagnostic hair loss test at Kibo Clinic today and take the first step toward stronger, healthier hair.