Hair Loss in Women – What Blood Tests Reveal (London Guide)
Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Results within 24 – 42 hours. Westminster residents receive 20% off.
Hair loss in women is far more common than many people realise. Some women notice thinning across the scalp, while others experience sudden shedding, patchy loss or a wider part-line. Stress, hormones, vitamin deficiency, thyroid imbalance, iron levels, infection and inflammation can all affect hair growth. While hair thinning can feel distressing, the underlying causes are often treatable when detected early.
Clinically, we see many London women experiencing hair loss during stressful periods, after illness, with poor sleep, or alongside fatigue or weight changes. Blood testing is the fastest and most accurate way to identify the cause. This guide explains the common reasons for female hair loss and the specific tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre that help uncover the problem.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen in Women?
Hair loss can be caused by changes in:
- Hormones
- Vitamins and minerals
- Thyroid function
- Iron levels
- Stress response
- Inflammation
- Protein absorption
- Metabolism
Lifestyle factors such as tight hairstyles, heat styling and restrictive diets can worsen the problem.
Types of Hair Loss in Women
Diffuse thinning
Gradual thinning across the entire scalp.
Common in stress, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiency.
Telogen effluvium
Sudden shedding after stress, illness or hormonal change.
Often reversible.
Androgen-related thinning
Widening part-line and thinning at the crown.
Patchy hair loss
May indicate autoimmune or inflammatory processes.
Blood testing helps identify internal triggers.
Common Symptoms That Accompany Hair Loss
- Fatigue
- Cold sensitivity
- Brain fog
- Brittle nails
- Weight change
- Dry skin
- Heavy periods
- Anxiety
- Poor sleep
- Dizziness
These symptoms strongly suggest internal imbalances.
When Is Hair Loss Serious?
You should seek testing if:
- Hair falls out in clumps
- The part-line widens quickly
- You notice bald patches
- Shedding lasts longer than three months
- You have heavy periods or anaemia
- You feel fatigued or dizzy
- You gain or lose weight unexpectedly
Persistent or sudden changes need investigation.
Risk Factors for Female Hair Loss
You are more likely to experience thinning hair if you:
- Have low iron or ferritin
- Have thyroid imbalance
- Are perimenopausal
- Are under chronic stress
- Follow a low-calorie diet
- Have vitamin D deficiency
- Recently stopped hormonal contraception
- Have PCOS
- Have poor sleep
- Recently gave birth
Many of these are easily detected with blood tests.
Blood Tests That Reveal Causes of Hair Loss
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, these tests help identify the source of hair changes.
Thyroid Panel
Thyroid imbalance is one of the most common causes of hair loss in women.
Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weight change
- Cold hands
- Dry skin
- Thinning hair
Ferritin (Iron Stores)
Low ferritin is a top cause of female hair loss, even when haemoglobin is normal.
Low ferritin causes:
- Thinning scalp hair
- Excess shedding
- Brittle nails
- Fatigue
Vitamin D
Low vitamin D affects hair growth cycles.
Common signs:
- Slow regrowth
- Diffuse thinning
- Fatigue
- Low mood
Vitamin B12 & Folate
Low B12 affects oxygen supply to hair follicles.
Symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Tingling sensations
Full Blood Count (FBC)
Checks for anaemia and inflammation.
HbA1c (Blood Sugar Stability)
Blood sugar swings affect hormones and hair cycles.
Zinc & Magnesium
Important for hair structure and growth.
Included in MDC mineral testing.
Wellness Profile
Provides a full overview including:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Blood count
- Liver & kidney markers
- Inflammation markers
This is the best starting point for unexplained hair loss.
Which MDC Profiles Are Best for Hair Loss?
Wellness Profile
Best for overall assessment and unexplained hair loss.
Thyroid Profile
Ideal for thinning hair with fatigue or weight change.
Vitamin & Mineral Profile
Useful when symptoms include brittle nails or low mood.
Ferritin Test
Essential for women with heavy menstrual cycles.
Table: Hair Loss Symptoms and Their Matching Tests
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Recommended Test |
| Sudden shedding | Stress, vitamin deficiency | Wellness Profile |
| Diffuse thinning | Thyroid imbalance | Thyroid Panel |
| Hair loss + cold hands | Hypothyroidism | Thyroid Panel |
| Brittle nails | Low minerals | Vitamin & Mineral Profile |
| Heavy periods + hair loss | Iron deficiency | Ferritin |
| Slow regrowth | Low vitamin D | Vitamin D test |
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Book Your Hair Loss Blood Tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Open Monday–Saturday, 08:00–16:00
Fast, private and confidential testing with results in 24–42 hours.
Westminster residents receive 20% off.
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