Hair Loss Blood Test -Foundation
An entry-tier 6-marker blood test for women noticing hair shedding, thinning or slow growth. Covers the medical contributors a doctor checks first - ferritin (iron stores), full thyroid (TSH and Free T4), vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate. A fast, affordable way to identify or rule out medical drivers of hair loss in women.
By Dr Maryam Attarzadeh, GMC-registered doctor and Medical Director, KONCEPT® Medical Clinic. Last reviewed May 2026. Next review November 2026.
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.
Six markers cover the medical contributors a doctor checks first in women's hair loss: low ferritin (iron stores), an under-active or over-active thyroid, or deficiency in vitamin D, vitamin B12 or folate. The Foundation panel is built for exactly that picture - clear answers quickly and affordably, with the option to upgrade to Core or Advanced if a deeper workup is needed.
If your hair loss is persistent without a clear trigger, has a hormonal pattern (frontal recession, crown thinning, acne, hirsutism), or has not responded to supplements, the Core panel (13 markers) or Advanced panel (27 markers) is the better starting point. The doctor can guide you at booking.
Ferritin is the body's iron-storage protein. Low iron stores are a frequent medical contributor to hair shedding in women, and ferritin can fall before standard "anaemia" tests detect a deficiency - which is why it is a useful first-line marker.
Under-active and over-active thyroid both cause diffuse hair shedding. TSH and Free T4 together identify clinical and sub-clinical thyroid dysfunction - a frequent contributor to hair loss in women. (The Core panel adds Free T3 and thyroid antibodies for a fuller picture.)
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with telogen effluvium (excessive shedding), and low vitamin D is often identified in UK patients, particularly in winter. Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for follicle cell turnover; deficiency can occur with vegan, vegetarian or low-meat diets, and after weight-loss surgery. All three are straightforward to correct when identified early.
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 sample in-clinic. No fasting required. Stay well hydrated. Stop biotin supplements 48 to 72 hours before to avoid interference with the thyroid assays.
Samples are processed by an accredited UK pathology laboratory.
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.
Where Foundation results identify a deficiency or thyroid issue, the treatment is usually supplementation, dietary advice or thyroid treatment - all of which the GP can prescribe and follow up. If hair loss persists, KONCEPT offers clinical-pattern assessment and in-clinic treatment in-house.
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.
Patients on the hair loss pathway often combine this panel with a wider women's health or hormone workup. The doctor can recommend the most useful next step at booking.
The Foundation panel is the entry-tier hair loss blood test for women noticing shedding, thinning or slow growth - especially if there is a likely trigger such as recent postpartum, weight loss, illness, low-meat diet or heavy periods. It covers six medical contributors a doctor checks first in women's hair loss. If your hair loss has a hormonal pattern (frontal recession, crown thinning, acne or hirsutism alongside), the Core panel adds iron studies, full thyroid antibodies, zinc and CRP, and the Advanced panel adds the androgen profile.
These six markers cover the medical contributors a doctor checks first in women's hair loss: low ferritin (iron stores), under- or over-active thyroid (TSH, Free T4), or deficiency in vitamin D, vitamin B12 or folate. The Foundation panel is designed to identify or rule out these contributors quickly and affordably. If results suggest a deeper picture, the doctor can recommend the Core panel (13 markers) or Advanced panel (27 markers including the full androgen profile).
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. 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.
Foundation is the best starting point if your hair loss is recent or has a clear trigger (postpartum, weight loss, illness, stress, dietary change). Core adds iron studies, full thyroid antibodies (Anti-TPO), zinc and inflammation (CRP) - useful for diffuse persistent shedding without an obvious trigger. Advanced adds the full androgen profile, HbA1c, lipids, selenium, magnesium and Vitamin A - the right panel if your pattern suggests female pattern hair loss, PCOS, or persistent loss despite supplementation.
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®).
Yes. If your Foundation results suggest a deeper workup is needed, the doctor will recommend either the Core panel or the Advanced panel and you can add the additional markers without repeating the ones already done. A second £39 booking admin fee applies to the upgrade booking.
A one-off booking fee per booking, regardless of how many tests are in the basket. The all-in Foundation panel price of £238 already includes it.
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 £238. 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.