Hair Loss Blood Test -Advanced
A comprehensive 27-marker blood test for women whose hair loss has a hormonal pattern, is paired with acne, hirsutism or irregular periods, or has persisted despite normal Core results. Includes every test in the Core panel plus a full androgen profile, metabolic markers and extended micronutrients - the most complete view of the medical drivers of female pattern hair loss.
By Dr Maryam Attarzadeh, GMC-registered doctor and Medical Director, KONCEPT® Medical Clinic. Last reviewed May 2026. Next review November 2026.
Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is a common cause of long-term thinning in women. It can be driven by genetic sensitivity to androgens at the hair follicle, perimenopausal hormone shifts, thyroid disease, deficiencies, and underlying insulin resistance. The Advanced panel is designed for women where one or more of these hormonal and metabolic pathways are likely contributors - giving the doctor the full picture in a single blood draw rather than escalating in stages.
If your hair loss is recent and general - postpartum shedding, after a crash diet, after illness or stress - the Core panel is the more cost-effective starting point and Advanced markers can be added later if needed.
Categories tagged Core are also in the Core panel. Categories tagged Advanced are added in this Advanced workup.
A frequent medical cause of hair shedding in women. Ferritin is a sensitive early marker and is interpreted with serum iron, transferrin saturation, TIBC and FBC to separate true iron deficiency from inflammation-masked deficiency.
Under-active and over-active thyroid both cause diffuse shedding. Full thyroid testing with Anti-TPO antibodies detects established disease, sub-clinical dysfunction and Hashimoto's (autoimmune) thyroiditis before the gland fails.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with telogen effluvium (excessive shedding), and low vitamin D is often identified in UK patients. B12 and folate are essential for follicle cell turnover; deficiency can occur with vegan, vegetarian or low-meat diets and after weight-loss surgery.
Zinc is required for keratin production and hair shaft integrity. CRP detects low-grade inflammation and helps the doctor interpret ferritin correctly, because ferritin rises with inflammation and can falsely look reassuring while iron stores are depleted.
The androgen axis - elevated free testosterone, raised DHEAS or androstenedione, or low SHBG amplifying mildly raised testosterone, is central to female pattern hair loss. Prolactin rules out a pituitary-driven cause of irregular cycles and unwanted hair growth. Together they identify whether anti-androgen treatment is appropriate and which form fits best.
Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction are common in women with hormonal-pattern hair loss, especially those with PCOS features. HbA1c gives the three-month glycaemic picture; the lipid profile flags early cardiometabolic risk that often accompanies the androgen and skin findings.
Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone activation and follicle health. Magnesium influences hormone signalling and is depleted in chronic stress and high-caffeine intake. Vitamin A (retinol) supports keratinocyte differentiation; both deficiency and excess can drive hair loss, so testing avoids over-supplementation harm.
The Foundation panel covers the medical contributors a doctor checks first in women aged 20 to 50. Core adds iron studies, full thyroid antibodies, zinc and inflammation. Advanced adds the full androgen profile and metabolic markers - the right starting point when hormonal causes are likely or when Core has already been done.
6 essential markers - the medical contributors a doctor checks first in women's hair loss.
13 markers - everything in Foundation plus iron studies, full thyroid + antibodies, zinc, inflammation.
27 markers - everything in Core plus full androgen profile and metabolic picture.
Online, in person at the clinic, or added during a GP consultation. Each request is reviewed by one of our GMC-registered doctors for clinical appropriateness.
An experienced practitioner takes your samples in-clinic. Fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand because the panel includes HbA1c and a lipid profile. If you have regular periods, day 2 to 5 of your cycle is optimal for the androgen markers. Stop biotin supplements 48 to 72 hours before.
Samples are processed by an accredited UK pathology laboratory. Free Androgen Index is calculated automatically from testosterone and SHBG, and is a key androgen number in female hair loss.
Most results within 2 to 5 working days. A short outcome note from the doctor with your next-step plan is sent to your email, password-protected. If a specific test takes longer you will be informed in advance.
When Advanced results confirm an androgenetic, metabolic or hormonal pattern, treatment combines clinical-pattern assessment, in-clinic procedures and medical treatment - often layered together for compounding benefit. All four options below are delivered in-house by the GMC-registered doctors and dermatology team at KONCEPT®.
Clinical-pattern assessment using trichoscopy (high-magnification dermoscopy) to confirm the diagnosis (female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, scarring alopecia), document baseline density, and tailor the treatment plan. Recommended once Advanced bloods are back.
Hair loss clinic →Platelet-Rich Plasma uses growth factors prepared from a small sample of your own blood, injected into the scalp to stimulate dormant follicles. Best-evidence use is for early-to-moderate female pattern hair loss, delivered as a course and frequently combined with topical medical treatment.
PRP for hair →Controlled microneedling of the scalp improves the absorption and effect of topical hair-loss treatments and is supported by published evidence as an adjunct to topical minoxidil. Performed in courses, usually scheduled alongside medical or PRP treatment.
Microneedling →Where Advanced results identify androgen excess, metabolic dysfunction or thyroid contribution, the GP or dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral medical treatment - including topical minoxidil and oral anti-androgen options - with full counselling on benefits, side effects and follow-up monitoring.
GP services →Already had a Wellwomen Check (£399 personalised GP consultation)? If the GP identified a clinical need for blood work during your consultation, you qualify for 10% off this panel. Mention your Wellwomen booking reference at checkout.
Female pattern hair loss frequently sits alongside PCOS, perimenopause and dermatology pathways. The doctor can recommend the most useful additional panel or referral at booking.
The Advanced panel is for women whose hair loss has a hormonal pattern (frontal recession, crown thinning, late-30s onward), is paired with acne, hirsutism or irregular periods, has persisted despite a normal Core workup, or has not responded to standard correction of iron and vitamin deficiencies. It is also useful for women on the perimenopause and PCOS pathways who want a single panel that covers hair, skin, androgens and metabolic health together. If you are starting from scratch with general shedding, the Core panel is the more cost-effective starting point.
Advanced keeps every marker in Core and adds: a full androgen profile (total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, androstenedione, prolactin), metabolic markers (HbA1c and a full lipid profile - total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), and extended micronutrients (selenium, magnesium, vitamin A as retinol). This expands the picture from deficiency causes to include the hormonal and metabolic drivers of female pattern hair loss.
Most results are returned within 2 to 5 working days. The androgen and micronutrient tests can occasionally take a working day longer than the Core markers - if so, you will be informed in advance.
No. You can book online, in person at the clinic, or add the panel during a GP consultation at KONCEPT®. The doctor reviews each request for clinical appropriateness before the blood draw.
If you have regular periods, the androgen markers (testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, androstenedione, prolactin) are most informative on day 2 to 5 of your menstrual cycle. If your periods are irregular or absent, the doctor will guide you on the best timing at booking. Iron and vitamin markers are stable across the cycle.
Fast for 8 to 12 hours before the appointment (water only) because the panel includes HbA1c and a lipid profile - non-fasting can affect triglyceride readings. Stay well hydrated. Stop biotin supplements 48 to 72 hours before the test as biotin interferes with several lab assays including TSH and Free T4. Mention any hormonal contraception, fertility medication, finasteride, spironolactone, or thyroid medication so the doctor can interpret your results correctly.
All tests are reviewed before and after the test by one of our GMC-registered doctors. A short outcome note with a next-step plan is sent to your email, password-protected. If results are normal, no further action is needed. If anything requires attention, the doctor will recommend a follow-up GP or dermatology consultation - either with your NHS GP or with one of our GPs at KONCEPT® (a £149 consultation fee applies if you choose KONCEPT®).
No. Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is a clinical diagnosis based on the pattern of loss on examination, your history and family history. Advanced bloods give the most complete view of the medical drivers - especially the androgens that influence the condition - so that treatment options (topical, oral or in-clinic) target the right cause. For a clinical-pattern assessment, a dermatology consultation is the appropriate next step.
If your hair loss has a clear hormonal pattern, sits alongside acne, hirsutism or PCOS-type symptoms, or has persisted despite supplementation, the Advanced panel is the better single test - you get the full picture in one go without paying twice. If your hair loss is recent, general or seems clearly linked to a trigger like postpartum, weight loss or illness, the Core panel is the more cost-effective starting point and the doctor can upgrade you if needed.
A one-off booking fee per booking, regardless of how many tests are in the basket. The all-in Advanced panel price of £659 already includes it.
Only with your written consent. We can send a clinical summary to your NHS GP for coordinated care, including any further dermatology, gynaecology or endocrinology referrals.
46 to 48 Wood Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1UW. KONCEPT® Medical Clinic is located opposite Kingston station. Parking nearby at the Bentall Centre.
All in £659. Same-day, evening and Saturday appointments available. No GP referral needed. Doctor-reviewed result, sent securely to your email.
Serving Kingston upon Thames and the surrounding KT, SW and TW catchment - Surbiton, Wimbledon, Richmond, Putney, Teddington, New Malden, Esher, Thames Ditton, Walton-on-Thames, Twickenham, Hampton, Raynes Park and Wandsworth.
This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Results require interpretation by a qualified clinician. Female pattern hair loss is a clinical diagnosis; blood tests are used alongside examination findings, history and family history to identify treatable medical contributors.