Noticing thinning hair or excessive shedding?
This test can help uncover potential causes of hair loss, which may be linked to hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health conditions. By measuring key markers related to thyroid function, iron levels, and hormone balance, this test provides valuable insights to help you take control of your hair health.
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Results estimated within 7-10 working days
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Convenient testing options
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Bespoke doctor's report
- Free delivery
What's in the test?
Hormones
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Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. For men, it helps regulate sex drive and plays a role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone is produced in the testicles of men and, in much smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women.
In men, testosterone levels naturally decline after the age of 30, although lower-than-normal levels can occur at any age and can cause low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass, and lack of energy.
Although women have much lower amounts of testosterone than men, it is important for similar reasons, playing a role in libido, muscle and fat distribution, and the formation of red blood cells. -
Free Androgen Index (FAI)
The free androgen index (FAI) is a calculation used to determine the amount of testosterone that is free (unbound) in the bloodstream. Most testosterone is bound to proteins such as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin and is not available to interact with the body's cells.
FAI is used in women to assess the likelihood of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and in men to give a better indication of testosterone status.
Inflammation
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High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker used to assess whether there is inflammation in the body, though it doesn’t pinpoint where the inflammation is located.
High Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is used to detect low-level inflammation that may damage blood vessels, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Significant inflammation occurs in response to injury or infection (like the swelling around a twisted ankle), which can cause CRP-hs to rise.
Iron Status
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Ferritin
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells and tissues. The body typically uses iron to make haemoglobin, which transports oxygen, but stores excess iron in ferritin for future use.
Measuring ferritin levels gives an indication of the amount of iron stored in your body, which can be crucial for healthy hair growth.
Proteins
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Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG is a protein that transports sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogen, and dihydrotestosterone, or DHT) in the blood. Hormones bound to SHBG are inactive, meaning they cannot interact with your cells.
Measuring SHBG helps assess the amount of free hormones available to act on the body.
Thyroid Hormones
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TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
TSH is produced in the pituitary gland to regulate the production of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) by the thyroid gland.
If thyroid hormones are low, more TSH is produced to stimulate the thyroid to make more. Conversely, high thyroid hormone levels will suppress TSH production.
Abnormal TSH levels generally signal an issue with the thyroid, though a pituitary disorder could also be a cause. -
Free Thyroxine (Free T4)
Thyroxine (T4) is one of the main thyroid hormones that helps speed up metabolism. Most T4 is bound to proteins in the blood, but only free T4 is active and can affect the body.
Free T4 is less active than T3, but it must convert to T3 in the body to fully act on the cells.
Vitamins
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Vitamin D
Despite being called a vitamin, vitamin D is actually a hormone produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight. It must be converted into 25 hydroxycholecalciferol (25 OH) to be used by your body.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, helping the body absorb calcium. It also plays a role in muscle health, immune function, and mental wellbeing.
Symptoms of low vitamin D include muscle weakness, mood swings, and fatigue. Many people in the UK are deficient, especially those with darker skin or those who don’t spend much time outdoors.
Small amounts can be obtained from food (e.g., oily fish, eggs, and fortified foods), but it’s difficult to correct a deficiency through diet alone.
How to prepare for your test
Please follow these instructions to ensure accurate results:
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Take your sample between 6am and 10am.
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Wait until any short-term illness has passed before testing.
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Avoid using a finger that has been exposed to hormone gels, pessaries, or patches in the past 4 weeks. Wear gloves if applying these products.
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Ensure you don’t take any vitamin or mineral supplements for at least 24 hours before your test.
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Don’t take biotin for 2 days before your test, and consult your doctor if it is prescribed.
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Thyroxine can be taken before or after the test as usual.
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If you take desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) or liothyronine, it’s best to take your medication after collecting your sample.
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Let us know if you take amiodarone or lithium, as these medications can affect your thyroid function results.
