Alopecia and other forms of hair loss affect more than 6.8 million people. However, in recent years, several hair loss tests developed that can detect potential hair loss and the factors that contribute to someone losing their hair.
If you're here, it's safe to assume you're looking for in-depth information about these hair loss lab tests and need to be pointed in the direction of a company that can provide you with an Alopecia lab test.
We're here to deliver the information you're looking for; all you've got to do is read on now.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia, otherwise known as hair loss, can affect any place on your body where hair grows. Depending on your situation, the loss of hair can be permanent, or it could be temporary.
Even if you suspect you're losing hair, your doctor will recommend you undergo testing to confirm it. There are several types of hair loss, with the first being involutional Alopecia.
When you lose hair as you continue to age because your hair follicles are in the resting phase instead of continuously growing, you begin to lose more hair. Another type of hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia, which is a genetic form of hair loss.
Telogen effluvium is one form of hair loss that's considered temporary. The cause of this form of hair loss is when several of the hair follicles move into the resting phase simultaneously.
Risk Factors of Alopecia
Several risks factors might cause someone to experience Alopecia or hair loss. The first risk factor is your family history; if your family has a history of balding or thinning hair, the likelihood that you'll experience it as well increases.
Another risk factor for some people is the combination of medication they're taking. Hair loss could be a side effect that stems from the way the medications interact within the body.
If you've got existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease like Lupus, this increases your chances of experiencing hair loss as well.
Causes of Alopecia
What causes Alopecia, you might be wondering? There are several causes, including fluctuating hormones. If your body is producing fluctuating levels of androgens or sex hormones, you'll have issues with hair loss.
Another common cause of hair loss is stress. One clinic states that their weekly average of five patients seen for stress-related hair loss increased five times to around twenty-five during the Covid pandemic.
If you're not eating the appropriate diet, it can leave your body lacking the nutrients and vitamins it needs to function properly. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to hair loss and thinning.
Signs and Symptoms of Alopecia
There are several signs of Alopecia that you may or may not notice, with the main one being the thinning of the hair on your head. You might notice every time you brush your hair or touch it; strands are coming out.
Another sign of hair loss is when all the hair on your body falls out without warning or cause. Some Alopecia symptoms are if the skin on your scalp begins to change in texture, becoming more scaly instead of smooth the way your scalp typically is.
Another sign is if you begin to feel sudden itching or increased tenderness in the area where you're losing your hair.
Lab Tests for Alopecia
There are several hair loss tests that you can take to detect if you're suffering from Alopecia, with the most commonly ordered test being a blood test. If you've got a family history of hair loss or begin to feel burning in areas around your scalp, you might be suffering from hair loss.
The first set of blood tests used for those looking for answers about Alopecia include the following. These tests help identify the cause of thinning and hair loss.
Key lab tests to help identify the cause of hair loss:
- B12 and Folate
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- DHEA-S
- Dihydrotestosterone
- Estradiol
- Free and Total Testosterone
- FSH and LH
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
- Zinc
- Thyroid Tests
Other tests are used as well, such as the pull alopecia test. If your doctor is conducting a pull test, they will take sections of hair and give a light tug. If you're losing hair each time they tug, you'll likely be told you're actively losing hair.
Another type of test is the tug test, where your doctor places two fingers at the root and the end of the section of hair they're holding. They will then lightly pull on the hair and observe any obvious damage.
If your hair breaks during this test, it shows that your hair follicles are brittle, and you're prone to hair loss over time if you mess with your hair often.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alopecia and Lab Testing
There are some questions that we know you have when it comes to Alopecia and lab testing.
For example, once you have your blood drawn, how long will it take to get your results. If you're using Ulta Lab Tests, it will take approximately 24-48 hours for you to receive your results.
How will you know which test is right for you? Use the information provided in this guide under the "Lab Tests for Alopecia" section to help select the lab tests to order or consult with your healthcare professional.
All that's left is to move forward with ordering your tests now. After you order, all you've got to do is sit back and let us take care of the rest.
Experiencing Hair Loss? Get a Hair Loss Test from Ulta Lab Tests
Make Ulta Lab Tests your number one stop for medical testing needs. We are proud to offer many exclusive benefits to our customers that they simply cannot experience with traditional methods.
- There's no need for insurance
- There's no waiting for your doctor to refer you to a lab
- Our prices are lower than anywhere else
- You'll have your results quickly. Oftentimes between 1 and 2 business days.
If you are experiencing hair loss, the natural next step is to get tested. Unfortunately, the traditional medical care system makes this extremely difficult. It can take weeks to receive approval and a referral from your doctor.
The wait only gets longer as you wait for results to be analyzed and returned. But if you're experiencing hair loss, then your goal should be to get a hair loss test as soon as possible to help identify the cause.
