Is it possible for a blood test to show hair loss?

The answer is yes, as you may be aware that the mineral iron is extremely important for healthy hair. Here, we are specifically talking about Ferritin. Therefore, it may be advisable to contact your doctor about having a blood test to check your Ferritin level. It is often the case that some patients have already had the test and have been told that their iron level is classed as normal. This can be due to a number of factors:

Firstly, the doctor may have only tested for iron and not specifically for Ferritin. Secondly, the Ferritin result may be in the normal range but may not be sufficient for optimum hair growth. Here at the Birmingham Trichology Centre, we state that the Ferritin level should be maintained at the level of 100 µg/L. As below this level it is known to cause hair loss/fine individual hair.

Our hair follicles do not continually produce hairs. Instead, the hair follicles go through phases of growing and resting. On average, a hair will grow for 5 years before falling out and being replaced by the new hair. However, if there is an unsufficent level of iron then the duration of the hair growth will be reduced. 

Hairloss due to low Ferritin is reversible. Once your blood test by your Doctor has been confirmed to below 100 µg/L, a trichologist can recommed suitable supplements based on a individual case by case basis. To which each individual will be monitored and in some cases the supplement may be adjusted. 

If you require more information you can click here for more information or call our team on 01543 670717.