Diagnosing Alopecia with the Proper Bloodwork and Tests

Helping your doctor run the proper blood tests to diagnose your thinning hair problem.

It is extremely important to find a qualified physician to determine if there is an underlying cause for your hair loss. This will enable you to address the problem while your treatment regimen is working to stimulate new growth. The American Academy of Dermatology has a searchable database of Dermatologists you can use, if your insurance is PPO and you have the ability to select your own doctor.

Preparing for your Doctor Visit

Understand that most dermatologists say "Rogaine" as the answer to every question you ask. Approach your doctor assertively, and tell them you'd like a series of tests done to rule out underlying conditions. It is very possible all your tests will come back normal, but often times an imbalance is identified. Fixing that imbalance can restore your hair.

Blood Tests and Bloodwork: Diagnosing Women's Hair Loss

Blood work can cost a pretty penny. Discuss with your doctor which tests are covered by insurance, and if you've got the means, don't take no for an answer. The following tests will provide information various things which could be causing hair problems:

• DHEA, DHEA Sulfate, Prolactin, Follicle Stimulating (FSH) and Leutinizing Hormone (LH)
• Androstenedione
• Free and Total Testosterone
• Thyroid Tests: T-3, T-4, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Iron and Serum Ferritin and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
• Hemoglobin/Hematocrit or CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Expect your doctor to have varying degrees of understanding. Once you've got your results, we encourage you to post them in our Discussion Forum so that you can get input and support from our other members who have had the same tests done.

Treatments for Thinning Hair in Women

The most important thing you can do today, is begin on a treatment regimen. There is no reason to wait for your doctor appointment or the blood results. There are clinically proven treatments for women with thinning hair, and we have collected the ones backed by science. Lets get started on putting your regimen together...

Step 4: Treatments for Women with Thinning Hair

 

If you are experiencing patchy hair loss, or sudden drastic head or body hair loss, we will be publishing guides for you in the coming months as well.

We encourage you to join our Discussion Forums where we have social networking forums just for those of you with conditions like these: Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Univesalis.