Hair Loss Blood Test -Core
A targeted 13-marker blood test for women noticing hair shedding, thinning, slowed growth, or skin and nail changes. Covers iron status, thyroid function and autoimmunity, vitamin D, B12, folate, zinc and inflammation - the medical contributors a doctor checks first in women's hair loss, for women aged 20 to 50.
By Dr Maryam Attarzadeh, GMC-registered doctor and Medical Director, KONCEPT® Medical Clinic. Last reviewed May 2026. Next review November 2026.
Hair shedding and thinning affect many women, and there is often a reversible medical contributor in the background - low iron, low vitamin D, an under-active thyroid, B12 or folate deficiency, low zinc, or chronic inflammation. The hair loss blood test (Core) is designed to identify those contributors quickly and clearly, so treatment targets the actual cause rather than a guess.
If you have a clear pattern of frontal recession, crown thinning, acne or unwanted facial hair alongside the shedding, the Advanced panel adds the androgen profile and is the better starting point. For a clinical-pattern assessment of the scalp itself, a dermatology consultation is the appropriate next step.
Low iron is a frequent medical cause of hair shedding in women. Ferritin (the body's iron store) is a sensitive early marker, but is interpreted alongside serum iron, transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity and the full blood count to distinguish true iron deficiency from depleted stores, early anaemia or inflammation-masked deficiency.
Under-active and over-active thyroid both cause diffuse hair shedding, and autoimmune (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis is a recognised cause. Full thyroid testing (TSH, Free T4 and Free T3) together with thyroid peroxidase (Anti-TPO) antibodies detects established disease, sub-clinical dysfunction and autoimmune activity before the gland fails.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with telogen effluvium (excessive shedding), and low vitamin D is often identified in UK patients, particularly in winter. B12 and folate are essential for follicle cell turnover; deficiency can occur with vegan, vegetarian or low-meat diets, and after weight-loss surgery or with reflux medications. Each is routinely checked because correction is straightforward when found early.
Zinc is required for keratin production and hair shaft integrity, and zinc deficiency can contribute to hair loss. CRP (C-reactive protein) checks for chronic low-grade inflammation, which can independently affect the hair growth cycle. CRP also helps the doctor interpret ferritin correctly, because ferritin rises with inflammation and can falsely look reassuring while iron stores are in fact depleted.
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. Upgrading later is straightforward.
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. No fasting required for the Core panel. Stay well hydrated. Stop any biotin supplements 48 to 72 hours before to avoid interference with the thyroid assays.
Samples are processed by an accredited UK pathology laboratory. Iron studies and the full blood count are analysed together so the report can distinguish true iron deficiency from inflammation-masked deficiency.
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.
Blood tests identify and correct the medical contributors. If your hair loss continues after deficiencies and thyroid causes are addressed, or if the picture points to female pattern hair loss specifically, treatment is built around clinical-pattern assessment, in-clinic procedures and medical treatment where appropriate. These options are often combined for the best outcomes and are available in-house at KONCEPT.
Clinical-pattern assessment of the scalp using trichoscopy (high-magnification dermoscopy) to confirm the diagnosis, distinguish scarring from non-scarring hair loss, and stage the condition. The starting point for any persistent or pattern-suggestive shedding.
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. Delivered as a course of in-clinic treatments, typically alongside medical treatment for compounding benefit.
PRP for hair →Controlled microneedling of the scalp can enhance follicular response and improve the absorption of topical hair-loss treatments. Performed in the clinic, usually scheduled in courses and combined with medical or PRP treatment.
Microneedling →Where clinically appropriate, 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, monitoring and suitability for your specific results.
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.
Hair loss has overlapping causes with cycle, thyroid, fertility and skin conditions. The doctor can recommend the most useful additional panel at booking, or refer you internally for a dermatology assessment.
The Core panel is designed for women noticing hair shedding, diffuse thinning, slowed growth, dull or dry skin, or brittle nails. It covers the medical causes commonly investigated in women aged 20 to 50: iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D, B12 or folate deficiency, low zinc and underlying inflammation. If your hair loss has a clear hormonal pattern (frontal recession, crown thinning, late-30s onward) or you have other PCOS-type symptoms, the Advanced panel adds the androgen profile and is the better starting point.
Low iron is a frequent cause of hair shedding in women, but it explains only part of the picture. Thyroid dysfunction, and deficiency in vitamin D, B12, folate or zinc, are also recognised contributors. Inflammation (CRP) is included because chronic low-grade inflammation can affect the hair growth cycle and the interpretation of ferritin (ferritin rises with inflammation, masking iron deficiency). Testing the cluster together avoids the common scenario of treating ferritin while missing a co-existing thyroid or vitamin deficiency.
Most results are returned within 2 to 5 working days. If a specific test takes longer, 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.
No fasting is required for the Core panel. Stay well hydrated on the day. If you take biotin supplements (often marketed for hair, skin and nails), stop them 48 to 72 hours before the test - biotin interferes with several lab assays including TSH and Free T4 and can give misleading thyroid results. Mention any iron, vitamin D or thyroid medication you are currently taking so the doctor can interpret your results in context.
Core is the right starting point for most women: it covers the deficiency and thyroid causes commonly investigated in hair loss. Advanced builds on Core by adding the full androgen profile (testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, androstenedione, prolactin), HbA1c, lipids, selenium, magnesium and Vitamin A - useful if hair loss has a hormonal or metabolic pattern, if you also have acne or hirsutism, or if Core results were unremarkable but symptoms persist. The doctor can advise at booking if Core is enough.
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. Blood tests rule out the medical contributors that can mimic, trigger or worsen it - so that treatment targets the right cause. For a clinical-pattern assessment, a dermatology consultation is the appropriate next step, and we can refer you internally or back to your NHS GP.
A one-off booking fee per booking, regardless of how many tests are in the basket. The all-in Core panel price of £408 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 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 £408. 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 and blood tests are used alongside examination findings, history and family history to identify treatable medical contributors.