Ask a Doctor about Hair Loss
Noticing more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower can be stressful - but you’re not alone. Hair loss affects millions of men and women, and the first step in restoring healthy growth is understanding the why. Before jumping into treatments, you may want to work with a qualified medical professional who can help uncover underlying causes.
Here’s a guide to what to ask your doctor about hair loss, which labs to request, and what types of doctors are best equipped to support you.
What Kind of Doctor Should You See for Hair Loss?
Several different doctors can help with hair loss, depending on the suspected cause:
Dermatologist: Specialists in skin, hair, and nails. They can diagnose conditions like alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, or male/female pattern hair loss.
Endocrinologist: Focuses on hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders, PCOS, or testosterone fluctuations that can contribute to shedding.
Primary Care Physician: A good first step. They can run initial labs and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Trichologist (like me!): While not a medical doctor, a trichologist specializes in hair and scalp health, offering holistic assessments and supportive therapies alongside medical care.
What Questions to Ask Your Doctor
When you visit your doctor about hair loss, consider asking:
What could be causing my hair loss?
(Ask if it might be genetic, hormonal, nutritional, stress-related, or linked to a medical condition.)Could my medications be contributing?
Some prescriptions - like blood pressure meds, antidepressants, or acne treatments - can cause shedding.Do I need lab tests to check for nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances?
Lab work can reveal hidden triggers that aren’t obvious at first glance.What treatments do you recommend based on my diagnosis?
This could include topical or oral medications, supplements, or referral for non-invasive treatments like Alma TED.Are there lifestyle changes that can support my hair health?
Sleep, stress management, and nutrition all play key roles.
Lab Work to Request for Hair Loss
Your doctor may not automatically run all the labs that relate to hair loss, so it’s helpful to be informed. Here are some common tests to ask about:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) - Screens for anemia and overall health.
Ferritin & Iron Studies - Low iron or ferritin is a major contributor to thinning hair.
Vitamin D - Deficiency is linked to shedding and poor follicle health.
Vitamin B12 - Low levels can affect hair, energy, and mood.
Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) - Thyroid imbalances often cause hair loss.
Hormone Panel - Especially for women (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol) or men concerned about testosterone/DHT levels.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - Checks overall organ function and nutrient balance.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re struggling with hair loss, don’t wait until it worsens. Knowledge is power, and understanding the internal factors at play can help you make the right choices for treatment. Pairing medical insight with holistic therapies - like scalp detoxes, nutrition support, and advanced restoration options such as Alma TED or Calecim Advanced Hair System - gives you the best chance at regrowth.
✨ Ready to get to the root cause of your hair loss? Book a consultation at Hair Dreams Hair Loss Clinic and let’s create a personalized plan that works for your unique needs.