When experiencing hair loss, a combination of self-examination and medical testing can help determine the potential factors affecting your hair loss. Here are some key tests you may consider:
1. Family Genetic Screening
The simplest and most direct method is to observe if any family members, such as grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, or siblings, exhibit signs of hair loss. If there is a noticeable presence of hair loss within the family, there’s a high likelihood that you have inherited the genetic predisposition. Additionally, pay attention to when the hair loss began. Genetic hair loss typically starts after puberty and progresses steadily and slowly. Many people begin to notice increased hair shedding during high school or college, but due to the initial thickness of their hair, the change in volume may not be immediately apparent. However, over several years, as the hair follicles gradually shrink, the overall change in hair volume becomes significant.
2. Sex Hormone Testing
Sex hormones play a crucial role in hair growth and shedding. However, the level of sex hormones in the blood isn’t the sole factor affecting hair loss; it also depends on the sensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens, which is related to genetics. Hence, it’s common to find individuals with abnormal hormone levels who do not experience hair loss, as well as those with normal hormone levels who do.
3. Dermatological Examination
If you have issues such as an increase in scalp conditions, redness, pain, acne, or cysts, it’s advisable to see a dermatologist to check for scalp inflammation and fungal infections. Doctors can assist in diagnosis by observing scalp symptoms, collecting dandruff samples, using a trichoscope, and performing fungal cultures. Treatments will focus on reducing inflammation and killing bacteria as needed.
4. Thyroid Function Testing
Hair growth is closely related to endocrine health, and the thyroid gland is a vital endocrine organ. It secretes thyroxine, controlling the body’s metabolic rate and energy consumption. If you exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, it is highly recommended to undergo a comprehensive thyroid function test to rule out the impact of thyroid disorders on hair loss. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, sparse hair, memory decline, concentration difficulties, low mood, anxiety, and depression. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include rapid heartbeat, palpitations, high blood pressure, headaches, hand tremors, weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, night sweats, emotional fluctuations, insomnia, protruding eyes, vision impairment, and eyelid twitching.
5. Trace Element Testing
Trace element testing typically includes the examination of elements such as copper, zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, which play important roles in human growth, metabolism, immunity, and neurology. In the process of hair growth, zinc and iron are particularly significant. Zinc primarily affects protein synthesis, immune responses, and antioxidant activities. A deficiency in zinc often results in dry hair prone to breakage and split ends, dry skin, flaking, lowered immunity. Iron is essential for hematopoiesis, and its deficiency can lead to anemia, decreased immunity, brittle hair that breaks easily, fatigue, and reduced appetite.
Individuals exhibiting the above symptoms or those with an unbalanced diet should consider getting tested and ensuring a balanced diet.