Alopecia and other forms of hair loss affect over 6.8 million people. In recent years, several hair loss tests have been developed to help detect potential hair loss and the factors that could contribute to someone losing their hair.
If you're reading this, it's safe to assume that you're looking for in-depth details about these hair loss tests and would like to be pointed in the right direction towards a company that can offer you an Alopecia lab test.
This post is meant to help provide the information you're looking for. So, read on for everything you need to know about Alopecia lab tests.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia, also commonly referred to as hair loss, can affect any area of your body where hair grows. Depending on your specific condition, the loss of hair could be permanent or temporary. If you're suspecting that you could be losing hair, your doctor should be able to recommend the proper tests to confirm it.
There are several different types of hair loss:
Involutional Alopecia: this is the form of hair loss where you lose hair as you continue to age. This is often caused by the hair follicles falling into the resting phase rather than continuously growing, leading to hair loss.
Androgenic Alopecia: This is a genetic form of hair loss that will affect a person based on their genes.
Telogen effluvium: This is a form of hair loss that is usually considered temporary. Its main cause is when a few hair follicles move into the resting phase simultaneously.
Risk Factors for Alopecia
Many factors may cause someone to experience hair loss or Alopecia. The first risk factor is genetics or family history. If your family has had a history of thinning hair or balding, then the likelihood of you experiencing it increases.
For some people, another risk factor is the combination of certain medications. Hair loss could result from the side effects of some drugs in terms of how they interact with the body.
If you have an existing medical condition like diabetes or an autoimmune disease like Lupus, then your chances of experiencing hair loss rise.
Causes of Alopecia
At this point, you may be wondering what causes Alopecia. Well, there are several known causes, such as fluctuating hormones. When the body produces fluctuating levels of sex hormones or androgens, you may develop issues with hair loss.
Another common cause of hair loss is stress. According to a clinic, their weekly average of five patients seen for stress-related hair loss increased five times to about twenty-fine patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you aren't eating the proper diet, it could leave your body lacking the necessary nutrients and vitamins to function correctly. Deficiencies in vitamins could lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
Signs and Symptoms of Alopecia
There are many signs of Alopecia that you may or may not notice, one of them being the thinning of hair on your head. You might realize every time that you brush your hair or touch it; the strands come right out.
Another sign is when the hair on your body falls out without cause or warning. Some symptoms show if the skin on your scalp starts changing in texture, usually by becoming scalier other than smooth, the way your scalp usually is.
If you start feeling a sudden itch or an increased tenderness in the area where you're losing hair, it could be a sign.
Lab Tests for Alopecia
There are several lab tests that you could take to detect when you're suffering from Alopecia. One of the most commonly ordered tests is a blood test. For patients who have a family history of hair loss, or when you start feeling a burning sensation around the areas around your scalp, you could be suffering from hair loss.
Among the first set of blood tests used when looking to diagnose Alopecia include the following. Keep in mind that these tests are meant to help identify the cause of hair loss and thinning:
The list is not exhaustive, as there are other alternative tests, like the pull alopecia test. If the doctor is conducting a pull test, they will ideally take sections of the hair and give it a light tug. If you're losing hair every time they tug, the diagnosis will likely be active hair loss.
Another form of testing is the tug test, in which case the doctor places two fingers at the base of the hair and the end of the section of the hair they're holding. They then pull on the hair lightly and look for any apparent damage.
If the hair breaks during this test, then this is a sign that your hair follicles are brittle, and you're prone to hair loss if you mess with your hair often.
FAQs about Alopecia and Lab Testing
You may have a few concerns or questions regarding lab testing for Alopecia, and we aim to answer them below.
For instance, when you get your blood drawn for testing, how long does it take to get your results?
When using Ultra Lab Tests, the procedure will take about 24 to 48 hours to get your results.
How can you figure out which test is right for you?
Feel free to use the information available in this guide under the section Lab Tests for Alopecia to learn more about how to choose the right lab test or consult with your healthcare provider.
At this point, all that is left is to move on with ordering your tests now. Once you make the order, you can sit back, relax, and let us take care of the details on your behalf.
Get a Comprehensive Hair Loss Test from Ulta Lab Tests
Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few fantastic things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:
- You'll always have secure and confidential results
- No need for health insurance
- No need for a physician's referral
- You'll always get affordable pricing
- We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Order your alopecia lab tests today, and you'll have your secure and confidential results online in 24 to 48 hours in most cases.
Take control of your health today with Ulta Lab Tests!
