Use my lab results from my doctor to determine whether recent bloodwork can be reviewed during your consultation or if additional testing is necessary. In many cases, existing lab results are sufficient, helping you avoid unnecessary repeat tests while ensuring an accurate evaluation.
At Northwestern Hair Restoration, we believe in making the hair loss evaluation process as efficient and patient-centered as possible. A key part of that is understanding your current lab results and determining whether they provide the information we need to move forward with your personalized plan. Contact us today for more information.
Why Lab Tests Matter in Hair Loss Evaluation
Lab results aren’t just paperwork — they provide valuable insights into underlying health factors that can contribute to hair thinning and loss. Hair loss is often linked to nutritional imbalances, hormonal shifts, or metabolic conditions. Comprehensive labs help us look beyond the surface and treat the root cause of your concerns.
Common markers we look at include:
Common markers we look at include:
- Iron and ferritin levels, which indicate iron stores in your body. Low iron can be a major contributor to hair thinning.
- Thyroid function tests (like TSH) — thyroid disorders are frequently associated with unexpected hair loss.
- Vitamin D and other nutrient status, as deficiencies can weaken hair structure and disrupt growth cycles.
- Hormonal markers, especially in women, where imbalances in estrogen or testosterone can significantly impact hair health.
If your existing lab results already include these markers and are recent, there’s a good chance we can use them effectively as part of your evaluation.
When We Can Use Your Existing Labs
We can typically review and work with lab results from your doctor when:
- Your bloodwork was done recently (usually within the last year).
- Your hair loss has not significantly changed since the tests were performed.
- Your lab panel contains the key markers we need to assess potential contributors to hair thinning.
Having your prior results on hand at your initial consultation can streamline the evaluation process and often means fewer steps before we create your customized hair optimization plan.
When We Might Recommend Additional Tests
There are situations where we may suggest some supplementary lab tests. This doesn’t mean the initial work was “wrong” — it just may not include certain key markers that help us give you the most complete picture. We may recommend additional testing if:
- Your previous labs don’t include markers relevant to hair health, such as iron, vitamin D, or thyroid function.
- Your lab work is older than a year, and things may have shifted since then.
- Your hair loss has worsened since your last blood tests, signaling the need for updated data.
In these situations, we’ll make targeted recommendations, focusing only on the tests that are truly needed. Our goal is to avoid unnecessary testing while ensuring you and your provider have all the essential information.
How We Use Lab Results in Your Treatment Plan
Once we have lab results — whether they are new or from a prior doctor — our specialists carefully review them in the context of your hair density, pattern of thinning, medical history, and symptoms. This comprehensive approach helps us:
- Identify potential contributing factors to thinning or shedding.
- Customize your treatment plan to address your unique needs.
- Avoid overlooking underlying health concerns that could impact results.
Correctly interpreting lab data is an essential piece of the hair restoration puzzle.
What’s the Next Step?
If you already have recent lab results, bring them to your consultation — either electronically or in print. During your visit, we’ll review your tests together, clarify what they show, and determine whether any follow-up labs are needed to complete your evaluation.
At Northwestern Hair, our priority is giving you accurate, personalized care — without unnecessary testing. We strive to make your journey from evaluation to treatment as smooth and informative as possible. Contact us today for more information.
