Hair · Feb 20, 2025

Essential Tests for Identifying Hair Loss Causes

by Simrun Chopra

Which Tests Do You Really Need? Let's Find Out!

Getting all these tests done can be expensive and unnecessary—not everyone needs every test! The best approach is to identify the ones most relevant to your hair concerns instead of guessing.

That’s why we offer a free strategy call to help you understand what’s causing your hair issues and how to fix them. Click here to chat with me or my team on WhatsApp and set up your call.

We’ll guide you on which tests (if any) are actually needed and how to address the root cause of your hair problems—so you can stop the guesswork and start seeing results!

Why Testing is Important

Hair loss is often a symptom of an underlying issue, such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or metabolic disorders. Instead of blindly trying supplements or hair treatments, the best approach is to identify the root cause through proper testing. This ensures that you address the real problem, whether it’s iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, or poor protein absorption.

Essential Tests for Hair Health

Test Name	What It Checks	Why It Matters for Hair
Complete Blood Count (CBC)	Overall health, anemia, infection, and inflammation	Low hemoglobin or red blood cells can indicate iron deficiency, which leads to hair shedding.
Ferritin (Iron Storage Test)	Measures iron reserves in the body	Low ferritin (<50 ng/mL) is linked to hair thinning and slow regrowth.
Serum Iron & Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)	Checks iron levels and iron-binding capacity	Helps confirm iron deficiency anemia, which is a common cause of hair loss.
Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test)	Assesses vitamin D levels in the blood	Deficiency is linked to hair shedding, poor follicle health, and slower hair growth.
Vitamin B12 & Folate	Checks B12 and folic acid levels	Low B12 or folate can cause premature graying, hair thinning, and poor scalp health.
Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies)	Evaluates thyroid function	Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and hyperthyroidism can cause severe hair thinning.
Zinc & Copper Levels	Measures zinc and copper balance	Low zinc leads to hair loss, while excess copper can cause hormonal imbalances affecting hair.
Magnesium & Calcium	Checks mineral levels essential for cellular function	Low magnesium can impact hair follicle health, while calcium imbalance affects nutrient absorption.
Omega-3 & Omega-6 Ratio	Measures fatty acid balance	Low omega-3s can lead to dry, brittle hair and scalp inflammation.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) Test	Checks androgen (male hormone) levels	High DHT levels contribute to pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in both men and women.
Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, LH, FSH)	Evaluates hormonal balance	Imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone(common in PCOS, menopause, pregnancy) can trigger hair thinning.
Cortisol (Stress Hormone Test)	Measures chronic stress levels	High cortisol from stress can disrupt hair growth cycles and increase shedding.
Fasting Blood Sugar & Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR Test)	Assesses blood sugar regulation and insulin resistance	High insulin resistance (linked to PCOS and diabetes) can cause hair loss and excessive facial hair in women.
Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin)	Checks liver health	Poor liver function can impair nutrient absorption, affecting hair health.
Gut Health Tests (Stool Test, H. Pylori, Leaky Gut Markers)	Assesses digestion, gut bacteria, and inflammation	Poor gut health can lead to nutrient malabsorption, affecting hair growth and scalp health.

Key Takeaways

Testing is crucial before starting supplements or treatments.
Hair loss is often a symptom of an underlying deficiency or imbalance—tests help pinpoint the exact issue.
Work with a healthcare professional to interpret results and get a personalized plan for restoring hair health.

By addressing nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or metabolic issues, you can stop hair fall at the root cause and promote strong, healthy hair growth.