The most important studies that will help us determine the cause of our baldness include:
– Ferritin level – such a study will give us more detailed information about the iron economy; it is worth knowing that the result of the iron level alone gives us little for accurate diagnosis,
– Morphology with a smear – mainly allows us to detect anemia, inflammation, and immunodeficiency,
– Vitamin B12 level determination,
– ESR – a marker of autoimmune diseases, inflammations, and cancerous,
– TSH level – will allow us to diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism; if there are any abnormalities, it will be necessary to perform an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, determination of free thyroid hormones and the level of anti-thyroid antibodies,
– Total protein level – will help us indicate kidney or liver diseases or deep malnutrition,
– The level of sex hormones; prolactin, progesterone, DHEA sulfate, androstenedione, and testosterone,
– The level of cortisol – the stress hormone.
Such tests are needed to rule out many potential diseases in time, including baldness. Sometimes it will also be necessary to carry out further diagnostics and detailed tests, which a dermatologist will order. A majority of the conditions which cause loss of hair can be addressed.