Medical tests for hair loss, balding, thin hair, Alopecia Areata
Concerned about hair loss?
Hair loss can be distressing—but it can also be treatable when the cause is understood.
Why Get Tested for Hair Loss?
Hair loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can be a symptom of deeper health concerns such as:
- Iron deficiency
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Vitamin D or B12 deficiency
- Hormonal imbalances
- Autoimmune conditions like Alopecia Areata
- Post-illness or post-pregnancy shedding
- Stress-related Telogen Effluvium
Treating the cause, not just the symptoms, can prevent further loss and support healthy regrowth.
Whether you’re experiencing gradual hair thinning, early balding, sudden shedding, or patchy bald spots, the first step is identifying why it’s happening.
At Regis Medical GP Clinic, we help you uncover the medical causes of hair loss through Doctor evaluation and targeted blood tests. We focus on diagnosing what’s beneath the surface, nutritional, hormonal, autoimmune, or stress-related factors, so you can take the right steps forward.
What Tests Are Done for Hair Loss?
At Regis Medical, we offer a structured medical approach that includes GP evaluation and lab-based hair loss blood panels. These are designed to uncover the root causes of:
- Thinning at the scalp or part line
- Balding at the crown or temples
- Sudden hair fall or excessive shedding
- Patchy bald spots (suspected Alopecia Areata)
- Hair loss with fatigue, irregular periods, or weight changes
Medical Tests for Hair Loss
- Full Blood Count (FBC) - Screens for anemia, infections, or inflammation. Poor blood health can affect oxygen supply to hair follicles, leading to shedding.
- Ferritin Level Test - Measures iron storage. Low ferritin is one of the most common and reversible causes of female hair loss.
- Thyroid Function Test - Checks for underactive or overactive thyroid. Thyroid imbalance often causes diffuse thinning or brittle hair.
- Vitamin D Deficiency Test - Supports immune balance and follicle cycling. Low levels may contribute to autoimmune or hormonal-related hair loss.
- Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Test - B12 & Folate are important for cell turnover and energy. Deficiencies can slow hair growth and cause thinning.
- ESR / CRP - Inflammatory markers. Raised results may signal chronic inflammation or autoimmune activity affecting hair.
*Turnaround time 3-7 working days
Hormonal Panel for Hair Thinning (Especially in Women)
In women, hair thinning at the crown or frontal scalp can sometimes be linked to excess androgens or hormonal imbalance. Relevant tests include:
- Testosterone / Free Testosterone - Elevated levels may indicate androgenic hair loss
- Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) - Assesses adrenal androgen levels
- Luteinising Hormone (LH) & Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - Helps diagnose PCOS or other ovarian dysfunction
- Prolactin - High levels can disrupt normal hormone balance
These tests help our doctor assess whether hormonal imbalances like PCOS or androgen excess are contributing to hair loss.
*Turnaround time 3-7 working days
Diagnosing Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disorder that causes round or oval bald patches. It is usually diagnosed clinically by a doctor, but supportive testing can rule out other possible diagnoses which may be confused with AA, such as scarring alopecia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Discoid Lupus.
We may recommend:
- ANA test: Screens for autoimmune markers (e.g., lupus-related hair loss)
- Thyroid Panel: Often associated with autoimmune thyroid disease
- Vitamin D: Low levels may be linked to autoimmunity
- Scalp exam: Checks for inflammation, scaling, or signs of fungal infection
*Turnaround time 3-7 working days
If biopsy or advanced trichoscopic analysis is needed, we will refer you to a dermatologist.
Whatsapp Us Make an Appointment
*Prices listed were last updated on 1 July 2023. Prices may be subject to change.
*Price does not include consultation fee.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Step 1: Clinical Evaluation
Our GP will begin with a detailed consultation, reviewing:
- Pattern and duration of hair loss
- Recent illness, surgery, or emotional stress
- Family history of hair loss or autoimmune conditions
- Scalp condition (e.g. scaling, inflammation, scarring)
- Menstrual, metabolic, and dietary history (for female patients)
This helps us narrow down the likely cause of your hair loss, whether it is:
- Androgenetic alopecia (hereditary pattern hair loss)
- Telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding)
- Alopecia areata (autoimmune-related hair loss)
- Nutritional or hormone-related hair thinning
Step 2: Tailored Blood Test Plan
Based on your evaluation, the doctor will recommend a relevant blood panel. These tests can be done in-clinic or through our partner labs depending on your needs and timing.
Step 3: Results Review & Action Plan
- We explain your results clearly, without medical jargon
- If a deficiency or hormonal imbalance is found, we’ll guide you on next steps
- This may include nutrition advice, medication (e.g. iron or thyroid support), or a referral to a specialist
We don’t just test — we help you take the next step toward better hair and overall health.
Who Should Get Tested for Hair Loss?
Hair loss testing is suitable for individuals who may have underlying nutritional, hormonal, or autoimmune triggers. It is especially recommended for:
- Women with sudden hair fall or part-line thinning
- Men with early-onset balding or unexplained shedding
- Individuals recovering from COVID-19, surgery, or emotional stress
- People with patchy bald spots (possible Alopecia Areata)
- Those experiencing fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight changes, or other hormonal symptoms
It's also important to consult a GP if you notice any of the following signs or history:
- Sudden or excessive hair shedding
- Patchy or circular bald spots that do not regrow
- Thinning hair around the temples or crown
- Changes in scalp condition (redness, itching, scaling)
- Scarring patches over scalp
- Hair loss with fatigue, irregular periods, or unexplained weight changes
- A family history of autoimmune or hormonal conditions
Early evaluation helps identify reversible causes before they worsen—and gives you a clearer path to recovery.
Why Choose Regis Medical for Hair Loss Testing?
Book a Hair Loss Evaluation Today
Hair loss can impact your confidence and daily well-being — but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Regis Medical, we help you take the guesswork out of what’s happening by offering targeted testing and medical evaluation to identify the root cause.
With the right answers, you can take confident next steps — whether that’s addressing a nutritional gap, rebalancing hormones, or exploring further care options.
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
FAQ
Accessibility & Support
Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983
Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Click here to view our opening hoursAppointment
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728
You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment. However, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, we allow patients who have their acute illness seen at Regis Medical to reschedule their appointment without extra cost.
This policy is subject to change.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment, we will reschedule your appointment at no extra cost if you seek medical attention at our clinic (for non-emergencies only).
Finance
General
Hair loss can have many causes, including:
- Genetic factors (male or female pattern baldness)
- Autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, zinc, B12, folate)
- Hormonal changes (thyroid disorders, PCOS, menopause)
- Stress, illness, or post-pregnancy changes
- Certain medications such as chemotherapy or long-term steroids
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden, patchy hair loss. By contrast, androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss) is gradual, inherited, and typically follows predictable thinning at the crown, temples, or part line.
Depending on your presentation, our doctor may recommend:
- Blood tests: Full Blood Count, ferritin (iron storage), thyroid function, vitamin D, vitamin B12 & folate, hormone levels (testosterone, DHEAS, LH, FSH, prolactin), and inflammatory markers
- Scalp examination: Clinical review or dermatoscopy to assess follicles and scalp condition
- Hair pull test: To see how easily hair sheds
- ANA or autoimmune markers: When autoimmune causes are suspected
- Biopsy (rare): If diagnosis remains unclear
No. Our doctor will decide which tests are appropriate based on your medical history, type of hair loss, and physical exam. Often just a few targeted tests are sufficient to identify the cause.
Yes. Blood tests can uncover common hidden contributors such as iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance, vitamin D deficiency, or hormonal imbalances (such as in PCOS). Identifying these issues allows for more effective and targeted treatment.
Most blood test results are ready within 2–5 working days. Sometimes multiple factors contribute to hair loss, so our doctor will review results in context and recommend a personalised plan.
If all blood results are normal, hair loss may be due to genetics (pattern hair loss), lifestyle stress, or post-illness shedding (telogen effluvium). In these cases, management may include medical therapies such as topical minoxidil, stress reduction, nutrition support, or onward referral to a dermatologist if needed.
Yes. If hair loss is related to thyroid imbalance or iron deficiency, correcting these conditions often leads to improvement in hair growth over several months. Consistent monitoring and follow-up are important to track progress.
In many cases, yes. Alopecia areata is unpredictable, but spontaneous regrowth is common. Some patients may need dermatology treatments such as corticosteroid injections or immunotherapy. Our clinic can diagnose and refer you if advanced treatment is required.
Scalp biopsies are rarely required. They may be recommended only if the diagnosis is uncertain or to rule out scarring alopecias that can cause permanent follicle damage.
Before your appointment, it helps to:
- Note when your hair loss started and whether it’s patchy or diffuse
- Bring a list of medications and supplements
- Take photos of your hair over time to track changes
- Be ready to discuss stress levels, diet, menstrual history (for women), and family history
Not always, especially for genetic causes. However, early testing and treatment can help slow progression. Managing stress, correcting deficiencies, treating thyroid or hormonal conditions, and avoiding harsh styling practices can reduce further hair loss and support healthier regrowth.