Hair fall, also known as hair loss or alopecia, can have various causes, ranging from genetic factors to environmental influences and medical conditions. Here’s an overview of the common causes and background of hair fall:
- Genetics: One of the primary causes of hair fall is genetic predisposition. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and female pattern hair loss are inherited conditions that result in gradual hair thinning and eventual loss.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes can significantly impact hair growth and loss. Conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to hair fall.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like vitamins (particularly B vitamins, vitamin D, and biotin), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and protein can lead to weakened hair follicles and increased hair shedding.
- Stress and Emotional Factors: Psychological stress, anxiety, and trauma can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium, where hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and diseases can cause hair fall as a symptom. Examples include autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, scalp infections (such as ringworm), hormonal disorders (like polycystic ovary syndrome), and skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Medications and Treatments: Some medications and medical treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, certain antidepressants, blood thinners, and acne medications, can cause temporary or permanent hair loss as a side effect.
- Age and Natural Aging Process: As individuals age, the rate of hair growth tends to slow down, and hair follicles may become less active, leading to thinning and hair loss.
If you’re experiencing hair fall and want to explore potential underlying causes through blood tests, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist or a general practitioner. They can recommend appropriate tests based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
However, here are some common blood tests that your healthcare provider might consider ordering to investigate the possible causes of your hair fall:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures various components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help detect conditions like anemia, which can contribute to hair loss.
- Thyroid Function Tests: Thyroid hormones play a significant role in regulating metabolism and can affect hair growth. Tests such as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine), and T4 (thyroxine) can help assess thyroid function.
- Iron Levels (Serum Ferritin): Low levels of iron can lead to anemia, which may cause hair loss. Serum ferritin levels can help evaluate your body’s iron stores.
- Vitamin and Mineral Levels: Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and zinc have been associated with hair loss. Blood tests can assess your levels of these nutrients.
- Hormone Levels: Hormonal imbalances, such as elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) or imbalances in estrogen and progesterone, can contribute to hair loss. Tests may include DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone levels.
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP): This test helps evaluate protein levels in the blood, which can be important for overall health and hair growth.
- C-reactive Protein (CRP): Elevated levels of CRP can indicate inflammation in the body, which may be associated with certain conditions contributing to hair loss.
