Root analysis
Consultant trichologist Benedetto Cusumano discusses the importance of blood tests in understanding the underlying causes of hair loss
Losing hair is normal – each person can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day without even noticing. And, while hair loss isn’t usually anything to be worried about, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or caused by a temporary ailment, such as iron deficiency or stress.
Understanding the underlying causes of hair loss in women is not as straightforward to diagnose as it is in men. In a high percentage of men, hair pattern baldness is often hereditary. However, hair loss in women can be trigged by a vast range of conditions or circumstances, and a qualified trichologist and a doctor are not always looking for the same things; general health and hair health are two very different things.
To help with any diagnosis one of the first things that can be useful in some cases is a blood test, as a proper diagnosis usually begins with a process of elimination. For some patients, these tests will come back with results within normal, expected ranges, but they are also crucial in ruling out the possibility of certain disorders and conditions, which can attribute to or cause hair loss or loss of hair volume.
A typical test will look at things such as basic blood counts, thyroid and iron (or ferritin as it is also known). For women with dietary restrictions, we would also look at blood sugars, zinc and vitamin D levels, which can all have a direct impact on the health of your hair. There is no standard template for bloodwork – it is our job to listen carefully to each and every patient individually to understand their lifestyle, nutrition, family history and health. This, together with the blood test results and an examination of the patient’s scalp, will enable us to offer advice and/or treat the underlying cause.
Hair loss can be devastating. For many women, their hair is an important part of their identity and who they are. AM
Benedetto Cusumano is a consultant trichologist and founder of TrichologistsUK and the TrichoCentre. He set up the clinic in 2015 because he wanted to do more to help people suffering from hair loss and scalp conditions. He qualified at The Institute of Trichologists in London and was awarded the John Firmage Certificate of Distinction in recognition of this work in this field. He is a registered member of The Institute of Trichologists, the International Association of Trichologists, an affiliate member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS), and was shortlisted for the Outstanding Trichologist Newcomer Award at the Hair Science Awards in 2018.