Hair Loss: Who Needs Laboratory Tests?

January 2020 in “ Kocatepe Tıp Dergisi ”

Habibullah Aktaş, Gökşen Ertuğrul

hair loss diffuse hair loss alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia scarring alopecia iron deficiency anemia Vitamin D deficiency male pattern baldness iron deficiency

TLDR Not all hair loss patients need lab tests; patient history and physical exams are key to deciding who does.

In 2020, a study involving 622 patients with hair loss complaints was conducted at Karabük Training and Research Hospital Dermatology Clinic. The study aimed to determine the importance of patient history and physical examination in diagnosing hair loss and identifying which patients required laboratory tests. The patient group was 55% female and 45% male, with 51% diagnosed with diffuse hair loss, 33% with alopecia areata, and 12% with androgenetic alopecia. Among female patients with diffuse hair loss, 10% had iron deficiency anemia and 30% had Vitamin D deficiency. No abnormal laboratory findings were detected in male patients or in female patients with alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and scarring alopecia, except for the 10% iron deficiency in women with diffuse hair loss. The study concluded that laboratory tests can provide insight into the cause of hair loss in some patients, but a thorough history and physical examination are crucial in guiding which tests are needed.

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Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

research Nonscarring Diffuse Hair Loss in Women: A Clinico-Etiological Study from a Tertiary Care Center in North-West India

17 citations, May 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Most women in the study lost hair due to chronic shedding, with stress and nutrient deficiencies being common factors.

research The Role of Vitamin D in Non-Scarring Alopecia

32 citations, December 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Low vitamin D might be linked to certain types of hair loss, and supplements could help, but more research is needed.

research Dermatologic Manifestations of Endocrine Disorders

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Skin changes can help diagnose and manage endocrine disorders like thyroid problems, diabetes, and adrenal gland conditions.

research Alopecia and the Metabolic Syndrome

30 citations, September 2017 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Men with common hair loss may have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, and should be checked for these conditions.

research Prevalence of Nutritional Deficiencies in Hair Loss Among Indian Participants: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

25 citations, January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Most Indian people with hair loss in the study lacked nutrients, especially iron.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations, January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Biotin supplements may improve hair and nail growth in people with certain deficiencies or conditions, but there's not enough evidence to recommend it for healthy individuals.

research Clinicoepidemiological Observational Study of Acquired Alopecias in Females Correlating with Anemia and Thyroid Function

19 citations, January 2016 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

The study concluded that hair loss in Indian women is not significantly linked to anemia or thyroid problems, but checking thyroid function could help those with ongoing hair loss.

research Scalp Dermoscopy or Trichoscopy

69 citations, January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology”

Trichoscopy is a quick, noninvasive method to diagnose hair and scalp disorders, often reducing the need for biopsies.

research Evaluation and Diagnosis of the Hair Loss Patient

86 citations, August 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

To diagnose hair loss, use a systematic approach including history, exams, and tests.

research Vitamin D Deficiency in Alopecia Areata

105 citations, March 2014 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata patients often have low vitamin D levels, suggesting they might benefit from vitamin D supplements.

research BMI and Levels of Zinc, Copper in Hair, Serum, and Urine of Turkish Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

37 citations, March 2014 in “Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology”

Lower hair zinc and copper levels found in Turkish males with hair loss; higher BMI linked to less hair zinc.

research Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss

73 citations, January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

People with hair loss, especially those with certain types, have lower zinc levels, and zinc supplements might help.

research Iron Plays a Certain Role in Patterned Hair Loss

40 citations, January 2013 in “Journal of Korean Medical Science”

Iron deficiency may contribute to hair loss.

research Serum Holotranscobalamin, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and Homocysteine Levels in Alopecia Areata Patients

13 citations, May 2012 in “Cutaneous and ocular toxicology”

Alopecia areata is not linked to vitamin B12 deficiency.

research Serum Vitamin B12, Folate, Ferritin, and Iron Levels in Turkish Patients with Alopecia Areata

21 citations, January 2009 in “Indian journal of dermatology, venereology, and leprology”

Vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, and iron levels are not linked to alopecia areata.

The Therapeutic Effect and Changed Serum Zinc Level After Zinc Supplementation in Alopecia Areata Patients with Low Serum Zinc Level

research The Therapeutic Effect and Changed Serum Zinc Level After Zinc Supplementation in Alopecia Areata Patients with Low Serum Zinc Level

65 citations, January 2009 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Zinc supplements increased zinc levels in some hair loss patients but didn't significantly improve hair growth.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Calling out diffuse thinners here -- Have you ruled out other factors?

in Treatment 54 upvotes 2 months ago

Diffuse hair loss is often linked to genetics but can also be due to health issues like thyroid problems and low vitamin or iron levels. Treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, with some seeing improvements after addressing health issues.

community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

in Chat 33 upvotes 2 years ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

community If follicles became miniaturized and haven’t grown in 3 years, are they dead ?

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community I’ve been on dutesteride and oral minoxidil for two years now and I’ve only lost ground…

in Treatment 42 upvotes 10 months ago

A user on dutasteride and oral minoxidil for two years reports worsening hair loss and is seeking advice. Suggestions include consulting a professional for underlying causes, acknowledging that treatments don't work for everyone, and considering dosage adjustments or additional treatments.

community 1mg fin daily. 1 month, 11 months, 1 year 2 months.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 2136 upvotes 6 months ago

A user shared impressive hair regrowth results after using 1mg finasteride daily for over a year, with minimal side effects. The user also mentioned taking biotin gummies and experiencing periods of shedding followed by thicker hair growth.

Similar Research

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research Trichoscopy as a Diagnostic Method in Non-Scarring Alopecia

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Trichoscopy is a quick, accurate, and non-invasive method to diagnose and treat non-scarring hair loss.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations, December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research Hair Loss And Its Management In Children

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The document concludes that early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are crucial for managing hair loss in children, with a focus on both medical and psychological support.

research Evaluation of Hair Loss

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The document concludes that a thorough history, physical exam, and specific tests are crucial for diagnosing and managing hair loss effectively.

research Scalp Biopsy and Diagnosis of Common Hair Loss Problems

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research The Genetically Programmed Hair Growth Cycle And Alopecia: What Is There To Know?

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The document concludes that hair loss is complex, affects many people, has limited treatments, and requires more research on its causes and psychological impact.