Should I Get Blood Work to Evaluate my Hair Loss?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums: 

I’m going to see a doctor about my hair loss. I think I suffer from androgenic alopecia or male pattern hair loss; however, I want an evaluation to see if something else is causing the thinning. Should this work up include blood testing? If so, what type of blood work should I get to evaluate the hair loss?

Generally, male pattern hair loss is a clinical diagnosis made by closely examining the scalp. Furthermore, there is really no defined “hair loss” blood panel. However, some cases of alopecia – especially in female patients – aren’t as obvious, and many doctors check blood levels of: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) , total and free testosterone, estradiol, DHEA(S), hemoglobin (a complete blood count to assess anemia), vitamin D, iron, and maybe DHT, ANA (autoimmune), and prolactin. Some of these blood tests are more specific than others, and doctors will chose which are best for each individual patient.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

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