Hair Loss Blood Tests
Written by the Veritas Pharmacy clinical team · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland · GPhC Registered 9012617
Hair loss can be distressing, and it often has an underlying hormonal or nutritional cause that a blood test can help identify. This guide explains the common causes in both men and women, and what our panels actually check.
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“My hair has been thinning for months. Could this actually be hormonal?”
It is possible, and it is a sensible thing to check. Hair loss has several possible causes, and a blood test can help identify whether a hormonal or nutritional factor is contributing to what you are noticing.
Hair growth is genuinely sensitive to changes in hormones, thyroid function, and key nutrients. A blood test cannot diagnose the exact cause of hair loss on its own, but it can identify factors that may be contributing, which helps your clinician advise on sensible next steps.
General guidance on the investigation of hair loss.Common hormonal causes
Hair loss can also run in families, or relate to other causes entirely, a blood test is one part of building a fuller picture, not the whole story on its own.
Hair loss testing is only relevant for men.
Hair thinning affects many women too, often linked to hormonal changes, iron levels, or thyroid function. We offer a dedicated panel for women, as well as one for men.
Noticing hair thinning or loss?
A blood test can help identify contributing factors, with same-week appointments and no general practitioner referral needed.
Comparing our panels
Female Hair Loss Profile, £185
Hormones, key nutrients, thyroid function, and blood health, including progesterone.
Male Hair Loss Profile, £179
Hormones, key nutrients, thyroid function, and blood health, including testosterone.
A £35 phlebotomy fee applies per visit, in addition to the panel price shown.
What happens at your appointment?
Your clinician begins with a conversation about your hair loss pattern, timeline, and general health history. A straightforward blood sample is then taken, in the same gentle way as any other blood test, and sent for laboratory analysis.
Hair loss often lags behind whatever triggered it by several weeks or months, so a cause from some time ago can still be showing up in your hair now. Mentioning anything unusual from recent months, not just recent weeks, can help your clinician build a clearer picture.
Understanding your results
Your clinician explains your results alongside your hair loss pattern and general history. If a contributing factor is identified, they can advise on sensible next steps. If your results do not point to an obvious cause, they can advise on further options, including onward referral where appropriate.
Will this test tell me exactly why my hair is thinning?
It can identify contributing factors such as thyroid function or low iron, though hair loss can have more than one cause. Your clinician interprets your result alongside your full picture.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No special preparation is usually needed. Your clinician will confirm this when you book.
What is the difference between the male and female panels?
Both check hormones, key nutrients, thyroid function, and blood health. The female panel includes progesterone, and the male panel includes testosterone, reflecting the hormones most relevant to each.
When should you seek medical advice?
Gradual hair thinning is usually a routine matter worth investigating in your own time. The following is a general guide to how urgently to act.
- Gradual thinning over several months
- Wanting to understand a possible hormonal contributor
- Sudden, noticeable patches of hair loss
- Hair loss alongside other new symptoms, such as significant tiredness or weight change
- Hair loss alongside a painful, inflamed, or unwell-looking scalp
These symptoms need assessment by a general practitioner, rather than a routine blood test appointment.
How Veritas Pharmacy can help
Our Female Hair Loss Profile costs £185, and our Male Hair Loss Profile costs £179, both plus a £35 phlebotomy fee. No general practitioner referral is needed.
Female Hair Loss Profile
Book directly, no referral required.
Male Hair Loss Profile
Book directly, no referral required.
- Hair loss can affect both men and women, and often has a hormonal or nutritional contributor.
- Thyroid function, iron levels, and key hormones are among the most common factors checked.
- A blood test identifies contributing factors, it does not diagnose the exact cause on its own.
- Sudden patches, or hair loss with a painful scalp, need general practitioner assessment.
Related reading
Ready to find out more?
Book the panel that matches your situation, or speak to us first if you would like guidance.
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The information in this post is for general information purposes. It is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare professional. We make an effort to keep the content on this page up to date and accurate.
blood tests, hair loss, health hub, hormone testing, Men's Health, Sunderland Pharmacy, Veritas Pharmacy, Women's Health