Published April 2026 | Hair Loss Testing | Plymouth

Hair Loss Blood Testing in Plymouth: Identifying Treatable Causes

Hair loss can be distressing. Whether you’ve noticed thinning, increased shedding, or sudden patches, it’s natural to want answers. The good news? In many cases, a blood test can identify or rule out treatable underlying causes—and that’s where we can help.

At Tamar Health, we offer targeted blood testing specifically designed to screen for the conditions most commonly linked to hair loss. Working with our UKAS-accredited lab partner, Nationwide Pathology, we can give you clear answers quickly, so you can take informed next steps.

Why Hair Loss Happens: Treatable Causes Blood Tests Can Identify

Hair loss isn’t always about genetics. While pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a clinical diagnosis—not detectable by blood tests—many other causes of hair loss are. Here are the most common treatable conditions we screen for:

Iron Deficiency and Low Ferritin

Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss, especially in women. Your hair follicles rely on good iron stores to grow strong. When ferritin levels drop, your hair can thin, shed excessively, or stop growing. A simple blood test checks both your current iron levels and your iron stores (ferritin). If iron is the culprit, supplementation and dietary changes often help.

Thyroid Dysfunction

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can both trigger hair loss. Your thyroid controls your metabolism and influences hair growth cycles. We test TSH, free T3, and free T4 to rule out thyroid problems—conditions that are very treatable once identified.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Your hair is made of protein, and it needs several key nutrients to thrive. We screen for:

• Vitamin B12: Essential for cell division and hair growth.
• Folate: Works with B12 to support healthy hair.
• Vitamin D: Low levels are linked to hair thinning and alopecia.
• Zinc: Critical for hair protein synthesis and scalp health.

Correcting these deficiencies through diet or supplements can help restore hair growth.

Hormonal Imbalance and Androgen Excess

Hormonal changes—including elevated androgens (male hormones)—can cause hair loss in both men and women. Our Hair Loss Full panel includes testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, prolactin, DHEA-S, and oestradiol. If hormonal imbalance is driving your hair loss, your GP or specialist can recommend targeted treatment.

Inflammatory Markers

Inflammation can stress your hair follicles. We check your CRP (C-reactive protein) to screen for systemic inflammation that might be contributing to hair loss.

Two Hair Loss Testing Panels: What’s the Difference?

We offer two comprehensive panels so you can choose the level of testing that fits your situation and budget.

Hair Loss Basic Panel — £160

The Hair Loss Basic panel screens for the most common causes of hair loss:

• Full blood count
• Iron, ferritin, and TIBC (transferrin saturation)
• Thyroid function (TSH, free T3, free T4)
• Vitamin D, B12, and folate
• Zinc
• CRP (inflammation marker)
• Fasting glucose

Best for: You’re looking for a comprehensive screening of the most common nutritional, thyroid, and iron-related causes. This covers about 80% of treatable hair loss cases.

Hair Loss Full Panel — £186

Everything in the Basic panel, plus:

• Testosterone (total)
• SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)
• Free Androgen Index (FAI)
• LH (luteinising hormone)
• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
• Prolactin
• DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate)
• Oestradiol

Best for: You suspect hormonal factors might be involved, or you want the most comprehensive assessment available. The additional hormonal markers help identify PCOS, androgen excess, or other hormonal conditions that could be affecting your hair.

What Blood Tests Can and Cannot Tell You

It’s important to be clear about what a blood test can do—and what it can’t.

What These Tests Can Do

Blood tests can identify nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation that may be contributing to your hair loss. If one of these conditions is found, treatment is often straightforward and can help restore hair growth.

What These Tests Cannot Do

A blood test cannot diagnose pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)—the most common form of hair loss in both men and women. Pattern baldness is a clinical diagnosis based on the pattern of your hair loss and family history, not on blood markers. If your blood work comes back normal and your hair loss follows a typical pattern, pattern baldness is likely the cause. A dermatologist or your GP can confirm this through examination.

Who Should Consider Hair Loss Blood Testing?

A hair loss blood test makes sense if you:

• Have experienced sudden or rapid hair loss (rather than gradual thinning)
• Are losing hair across your scalp, not in a typical pattern
• Have other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or irregular periods
• Want to rule out medical causes before exploring other treatments
• Have a family history of thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or hormonal conditions
• Are a woman and have noticed hair loss after pregnancy, stopping contraception, or around menopause
• Want a clear baseline to track your health and response to treatment

What Happens After Your Test

Booking Your Appointment

All appointments at Tamar Health must be booked in advance. Visit our hair loss testing page to book. You’ll pay a £25 appointment fee at booking; the remaining balance is due in clinic.

Your Test Day

Our trained phlebotomists will take a small blood sample in a quick, straightforward appointment. Most people find it takes just a few minutes.

Your Results

You’ll receive your results in 1–3 working days. Your results will show where your levels sit and highlight any values outside the reference range. We provide these to you in clear, easy-to-read format.

Next Steps

Your results are yours to take to your GP or a specialist—dermatologist, trichologist, or functional medicine practitioner—who can discuss treatment options if any abnormalities are found. If results are normal, that’s also valuable: you’ll know to explore pattern baldness management or get a second opinion from a specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a blood test tell me exactly why I’m losing my hair?

A blood test can rule out or identify treatable medical causes—iron deficiency, thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances. If one of these is found, that’s your answer and treatment can begin. However, if your blood work is normal, the most likely cause is pattern baldness, which is a genetic and clinical diagnosis, not a blood marker. In that case, you’d want to speak with a dermatologist or your GP.

How long does the appointment take?

The appointment itself is usually quick—about 10–15 minutes from check-in to blood draw. Results come back within 1–3 working days.

Do I need to fast before the test?

Yes, please fast for 8–10 hours before your appointment (water is fine). This ensures accurate results, especially for glucose and some other markers. You’ll be reminded of this when you book.

Can I take supplements or medications before my test?

Yes, continue your regular medications and supplements unless you’ve been specifically told otherwise. Let our team know what you’re taking when you arrive—it helps us interpret your results accurately.

What if my results show a problem? Can you prescribe treatment?

We’re a testing clinic, not a GP service, so we don’t prescribe. Your results are sent to you and you can share them with your GP or a specialist. They’ll advise on the best treatment for your situation. Many conditions identified by our tests—iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems—are easily managed with diet, supplements, or medication your GP can prescribe.

Tamar Health is a private blood test clinic in Plymouth, Devon, working with Nationwide Pathology (UKAS-accredited). All appointments must be booked in advance.