Symptoms & complaints
Hair loss and your blood
Hair loss can have many causes, from hereditary predisposition to a deficiency or a hormonal disturbance. Blood testing can reveal a number of treatable causes. Below you read which blood values are relevant.
In short
- Een lage ijzervoorraad (ferritine) is bij haaruitval de meest gevonden meetbare oorzaak, ook zonder bloedarmoede.
- Schildklierproblemen en een tekort aan vitamine D of zink spelen minder vaak, maar zijn wel te meten.
- Haaruitval loopt maanden achter op de oorzaak: wat u nu ziet, begon vaak drie maanden geleden.
- Erfelijke haaruitval is niet in bloed te zien.
Afgegrensde kale plekken, een ontstoken of schilferende hoofdhuid of haaruitval in bosjes horen bij uw huisarts of een dermatoloog.
What you can measure
Not every cause is visible in blood. These are the values that most often explain something.
Recommended test
Aanbevolen bij haaruitval zonder duidelijke oorzaak
Iron Panel
5 markersDe ijzervoorraad eerst: dat is bij haaruitval de meest opbrengende meting.
- Personal assessment by a registered doctor
- Clear laboratory report, in plain language
- No referral needed
- 800+ blood draw locations
€69
Plus 29,- blood draw fee per order, free from 225,-.
Common, measurable causes
These values are regularly linked to hair loss:
- iron deficiency (low ferritin)
- an underactive or overactive thyroid
- a lack of vitamin D
In women and men, hormonal factors can also play a role. An abnormal value does not always explain the symptom, and not all hair loss is visible in blood.
When testing is useful
With sudden or increasing hair loss, especially combined with other symptoms such as fatigue, targeted blood testing can provide direction. If in doubt or with persistent symptoms, a visit to the GP or dermatologist remains important.
Frequently asked questions
Which blood values relate to hair loss?
Often relevant are iron/ferritin, thyroid function, vitamin D and sometimes hormones. Which ones are useful depends on your situation.
Will my hair loss stop if I correct a deficiency?
If a deficiency is the cause, correcting it may help. Often several factors play a role. Discuss the result and any treatment with a doctor.
Do I need to fast?
For these markers fasting is usually not needed. If in doubt we advise fasting; see our guide on fasting.
Sources
Recommended test
Aanbevolen bij haaruitval zonder duidelijke oorzaak
Iron Panel
5 markersDe ijzervoorraad eerst: dat is bij haaruitval de meest opbrengende meting.
- Personal assessment by a registered doctor
- Clear laboratory report, in plain language
- No referral needed
- 800+ blood draw locations
€69
Plus 29,- blood draw fee per order, free from 225,-.
Read more