Additional Information
COLOUR: All Over Tint / Bleach, HI/LO Lites, No Colour, Tint & Lites
HAIR ISSUE: Colour / Colour Fade, Dry Brittle Hair, Dry Flaky Scalp, Fine Limp Hair, Oily Scalp / Hair, Thinning / Loss
HAIR TYPE: African Caribbean, Coarse, Fine, Medium
SCALP TYPE: Dry / Flaky, Normal, Oily, Sensitive / Irritated
STYLING DESIRE: Max Volume / Thickness, Natural Curls / Waves, Natural Texture / Beach, Smooth / Sleek
HAIR LOSS CHECK ADVANCED
An advanced test for men and women who wish to investigate why they are losing their hair. Includes tests for key hormones, antinuclear antibodies, mineral levels as well as liver and kidney function.
There are many reasons as to why an individual may be losing their hair, ranging from age, genetics (male and female pattern baldness), stress, hormone imbalances and certain illnesses/medications. Because there is not just one cause of hair loss, it can be very difficult and frustrating when trying to work out the cause of the issue. Our Hair Loss Check Advanced is a comprehensive health check helping you to gain a deeper insight into your current state of health.
Tests include a full hormone panel to check for any imbalances, antinuclear antibodies to see if an autoimmune condition such as alopecia areata could be to blame and key minerals selenium and zinc to identify if a deficiency is the cause of the problem. This profile also includes a number of important health markers such as kidney and liver function, protein levels and a full blood count to assess your overall state of health.
How it Works
- COLLECT SAMPLE: We send you an easy-to-use kit to collect your blood sample.
- POST SAMPLE: Post your sample to our lab in the prepaid envelope provided.
- VIEW RESULTS: View results securely in your own personal dashboard.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Our tests are not a substitute for seeing your doctor, especially if you are suffering symptoms. Our doctors will interpret your results based on the information you have provided, but will not diagnose, consult or provide any treatment. You will be advised to see your doctor for any necessary follow-up action.
Who is the Test for
An ideal profile for both men and women who have thinning hair and wish to investigate any health issues that might be causing them to lose hair.
Tests Included
HORMONES
- Testosterone
- Testosterone is a male sex hormone which is produced in the testicles of men and, in much smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women. It is responsible for bone and muscle strength, as well as mood, energy and sexual function.
- Testosterone levels decline with age and it is unusual to find naturally elevated levels in men. Low testosterone is more common than raised testosterone in the absence of supplementation.
- In women, raised testosterone can result in male characteristics such as body hair, greater bulk, a deeper voice and acne – all symptoms of polycystic ovaries, a condition in which elevated testosterone is commonly seen.
- SHBG
- Most of the sex hormones – testosterone, oestrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – found in your blood are bound to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) which means that they are unavailable to your cells. Measuring the level of SHBG in your blood gives important information about your levels of “free” or unbound hormones which are biologically active and available for use.
- Elevated SHBG indicates that there is less testosterone or oestrogen available for use whereas low levels can mean an excess of available hormones.
- FSH
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and is important for women in the production of eggs by the ovaries and for men in the production of sperm. Levels of FSH rise in women as egg production declines, therefore raised FSH often coincides with the onset of the menopause and is a measure of ovarian reserve.
- Elevated FSH in women indicates reduced egg supply whereas low levels can signal that you are not ovulating or are pregnant.
- Levels of FSH in men rise with age, but can also indicate testicular damage and reduced sperm production. Low levels of FSH are detected when men are not producing sperm.
- LH
- Luteinising Hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and is important for male and female fertility. In women it governs the menstrual cycle, peaking before ovulation. In men it stimulates the production of testosterone.
- Raised LH in women can signal that you are not ovulating, that you are menopausal or that your hormones are not in balance (as with polycystic ovaries).
- Raised LH in men can signal that the testes are not producing enough testosterone.
- Prolactin
- Prolactin is a hormone which is produced in the pituitary gland and plays a role in reproductive health. Its primary purpose is to stimulate milk production after childbirth, and in pregnant and breastfeeding women prolactin levels can soar.
- Raised levels in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding can signal fertility problems as well as irregular periods.
- Raised levels in men can cause reduced sex drive, lack of energy, erectile disfunction and fertility problems.
- TSH
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
- High levels of TSH indicate an underactive thyroid while low levels indicate an overactive thyroid. In primary pituitary failure, a low TSH will be associated with an underactive thyroid.
- FT4
- Thyroxine (T4) is one of two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Most T4 is bound to carrier proteins in the blood. This test measures the level of T4 which is free, or unbound, circulating in your blood.
- High levels of free thyroxine can indicate an overactive thyroid while low levels can indicate an underactive thyroid.
INFLAMMATION MARKER
- CRP-hs
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker used to assess whether there is inflammation in the body – it does not identify where the inflammation is located. High Sensitivity CRP (CRP-hs) is a test which is used to detect low-level inflammation which is thought to damage blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Raised levels are a risk factor for cardio-vascular disease.
IRON STATUS
- Ferritin
- Ferritin is a protein which stores iron in your cells for your body to use later. Measuring ferritin levels gives us a good indication of the amount of iron stored in your body.
- Low levels of ferritin can indicate anaemia which can be caused by excessive or chronic bleeding, poor absorption of iron or too little iron in the diet.
- Raised ferritin levels can indicate iron overload syndrome (haemochromatosis) or any kind of liver damage. It is also a marker of infection and inflammation.
KIDNEY FUNCTION
- Urea
- Urea is waste product produced as the body digests protein and is carried by the blood to the kidneys, which filter the urea out of the blood and into the urine. The urea test examines how well the kidneys are functioning.
- Raised levels of urea in the blood can be caused by dehydration or high protein consumption or may indicate that the kidneys are not working properly.
- Low amounts of urea in the blood may indicate a low protein diet, excess hydration, malnutrition or liver failure.
- Creatinine
- Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is generated from muscle metabolism. Measurement of this is an indicator of the levels of other waste products in the body. Creatinine is an accurate marker of kidney function.
- Elevated creatinine can be caused by high intake of animal protein, taking creatine supplements and vigorous exercise but can also indicate that the kidneys are not working properly.
- Low creatinine can be caused by a low protein diet, reduced muscle mass or sometime that the kidneys are simply functioning efficiently.
- estimated GFR
- The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assesses how well the kidneys are working by estimating the amount of blood filtered through the kidneys. The glomeruli are tiny filters in the kidneys responsible for removing waste products. If these filters do not do their job properly, kidney function can be impaired. The eGFR calculation is an estimate of actual glomerular filtration rate, calculated using your age, weight, gender, and serum creatinine levels.
- A normal or high eGFR indicates good kidney function.
- A low eGFR result can indicate your kidneys are not working as well as they should. eGFR can be used to assess the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- It is important to note that individuals with high muscle mass as well as people of certain ethnicities can have a low eGFR which is normal for them. If kidney damage is suspected then other investigative tests are recommended.
LIVER FUNCTION
- ALP
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. Raised levels can indicate bone or liver disease. Elevated ALP is assessed in conjunction with other liver function tests to determine whether the problem lies in the liver or the bones.
- Pregnancy can also cause raised ALP and it is often elevated in growing teenagers.
- ALT
- Alanine transferase (ALT) is an enzyme which is produced by the liver and can indicate liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs or viruses (hepatitis). Small amounts of ALT are normal, but raised levels may indicate that your liver is inflamed.
- Elevated levels of ALT can also be caused by recent vigorous exercise.
- CK
- CK (creatine kinase) is a muscle enzyme which signifies muscle cell damage and death. CK levels tend to be higher in people with greater muscle mass.
- The level of CK in the blood is measured to assess muscle damage – it can rise rapidly after muscle trauma, but will subside as the damage repairs. If CK continues to rise it indicates that muscle damage is not being repaired. If you have been to the gym the day before your blood test you may well exhibit raised levels of CK.
- Gamma GT
- Gamma GT is a liver enzyme which is raised in liver and bile duct diseases. It is used in conjunction with ALP to distinguish between bone or liver disease. Gamma GT is also used to diagnose alcohol abuse as it is raised in 75% of long term drinkers.
PROTEINS
- Total Protein
- Total Protein represents the sum of albumin and globulin. Abnormal levels can indicate malnutrition as well as a liver or kidney disorder.
- Albumin
- Albumin is made mainly in the liver and helps to keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels. It also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing.
- Low albumin levels can indicate liver disease and can also be a marker for chronic ill-health, malnutrition and inflammation. It can also occur in kidney conditions such as nephrotic syndrome and diabetes.
- Raised levels are usually caused by dehydration.
- Globulin
- Globulin consists of different proteins and is made by the liver and the immune system. Certain globulins bind with haemoglobin while others transport metals, such as iron, in the blood and help fight infection.
RED BLOOD CELLS
- Haemoglobin
- Haemoglobin carries oxygen and gives the red blood cell its red colour. This test measures the amount of haemoglobin in the blood and is a good measure of the blood’s ability to carry oxygen around the body.
- A high haemoglobin result can mean increased red cell production to compensate for chronically low oxygen levels in the blood caused by lung disease or living at altitude. While it can also indicate “blood doping” other causes can include dehydration, smoking and bone marrow disorders.
- A low haemoglobin result indicates anaemia which can have many causes including pregnancy, blood loss, liver damage, iron deficiency and much more. A low haemoglobin level should be investigated in line with other symptoms and results.
- HCT
- HCT (haematocrit) measures the amount of space (volume) red blood cells take up in the blood.
- Raised levels can result from pregnancy, living at altitude, dehydration as well as low availability of oxygen through chronic lung disease and even sleep apnoea.
- Low levels indicate anaemia.
- RBC
- Red blood cell (RBC) count analyses the number of red cells in the blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. They also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs so that it can be exhaled.
- A high count (thicker blood) means there is a chance that the red blood cells will clump together and block tiny blood vessels. This also makes it difficult for your red blood cells to carry oxygen.
- A low count (anaemia) means that your body may not be getting the oxygen it needs and can be caused by nutritional deficiency (lack of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12), over-hydration as well as bleeding and bone marrow disorders.
- MCV
- MCV (mean corpuscular volume) reflects the size of your red blood cells.
- A high result may indicate a vitamin deficiency of folate or vitamin B12 and is often seen in excessive alcohol consumption associated with liver inflammation.
- A low result indicates anaemia, often caused by iron deficiency.
- MCH
- MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin) is the average amount of haemoglobin contained in your red blood cells.
- Together with MCV and MCHC, MCH results can help in the diagnosis of different types of anaemia.
- MCHC
- MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) is the average concentration of haemoglobin in your red blood cells.
- A high level can indicate the presence of spherocytes (a type of red bood cell with too much haemoglobin) or a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12 in the diet.
- A low level can indicate chronic blood loss or iron deficiency.
- RDW
- RDW (red cell distribution width) shows whether the cells are all the same size or different sizes or shapes. Normally cells are fairly uniform, although a raised RDW result (indicating greater variation in cell size and shape than is normally seen) can be caused by deficiency in iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid.
WHITE BLOOD CELLS
- White Cell Count
- White blood cells are key to your body’s immune or defence system. They fight infections and protect your body from foreign invaders such as harmful germs and bacteria.
- A raised white blood cell (WBC) count can indicate recent infection, inflammation, trauma and even stress. Your WBC can also be raised when taking certain medications.
- A decreased WBC can result from a vitamin deficiency such as folate or vitamin B12, as well as liver disease and diseases of the immune system.
- Neutrophils
- Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that are responsible for helping your body fight infection. When neutrophils are low you can be more vulnerable to illness and infection.
- Neutrophils can be raised after severe stress on the body from a bacterial infection, recent exercise or sudden kidney failure.
- Low neutrophils can be caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid, severe bacterial infection and some autoimmune diseases.
- Lymphocytes
- Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell which fight bacterial and viral infections. They include T cells, B cells and natural killer cells.
- Lymphocytes can be elevated for many reasons but it is common for them to be raised after recent infection, particularly after the flu. They can also be raised due to autoimmune disorders and some cancers.
- The most common cause for lymphocytes to be depleted is the common cold.
- Monocytes
- Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that engulf and remove pathogens and dead or damaged cells from our blood. The heat and swelling of inflammation is caused by the activities of these cells.
- Elevated monocytes can indicate chronic inflammatory disease, chronic infection, parasitic infection and Cushings disease.
- Low levels can be due to autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis as well as drugs which affect the bone marrow such as those used in chemotherapy.
- Eosinophils
- Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell whose function is to remove parasitic infections as well as to regulate inflammation to mark an infected site.
- Levels of eosinophils can be elevated if the scale of inflammation is greater than necessary to control the damage (as is the case in asthma and allergic responses) as well as in parasitic and fungal infections, autoimmune diseases and skin disorders.
- Low levels of eosinophils are not usually cause for concern and can be caused by the administration of steroids.
- Basophils
- Basophils are a type of white blood cell that protect your body from bacteria and parasites such as ticks.
- An elevated basophil count can be due to inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and dermatitis, recent infection and hormone imbalance (e.g. hypothyroidism).
- A low basophil count can be caused by pregnancy, stress and use of steroids.
CLOTTING STATUS
- Platelet Count
- Platelets or clotting cells are the smallest type of blood cell and are important in blood clotting. When bleeding occurs, the platelets swell, clump together and form a sticky plug (a clot) which helps stop the bleeding.
- If platelet levels are raised there is an increased risk of blood clots forming in blood vessels.
- If platelet levels are too low there is a risk of easy bruising and uncontrolled bleeding.
- MPV
- MPV (mean platelet volume) is a measurement of the average size of your platelets. New platelets are larger than older ones and a raised MPV result occurs when increased numbers of platelets are being produced. MPV provides an indication of platelet production in your bone marrow.
AUTOIMMUNITY
- Antinuclear antibodies
- Antinuclear antibodies are produced by the immune system when it fails to distinguish between its own cells and foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Antinuclear antibodies attack proteins inside the body’s own healthy cells and cause symptoms such as inflammation, joint pain and fatigue.
- A high level of antinuclear antibodies in the blood may indicate an autoimmune disorder but alone can’t be used to diagnose a particular autoimmune disorder.
TRACE MINERALS
- Selenium
- Selenium is a trace mineral that helps to maintain a healthy metabolism in the body. It also strengthens the immune system by increasing antioxidant capabilities which helps the body to defend itself against free radical damage and inflammation. Natural food sources of selenium include brazil nuts, tuna and eggs.
- The body only requires selenium in small amounts and high selenium levels in the blood are rare.
- Low levels of selenium in the blood can lead to Keshan disease, hair loss, fatigue and a weakened immune system.
- Zinc (serum)
- Zinc is necessary for immune function, wound healing, taste, smell and is essential for cell division and growth. Zinc also removes toxic metals such as copper, lead and mercury from the brain.
- Even though zinc is an essential requirement for a healthy body, too much zinc can be harmful. Care is needed when taking zinc supplements as it is possible to overdose on zinc. A raised zinc result may be due to over supplementing.
- A low result may be caused by a lack of zinc in your diet. Zinc can be found in red meat, poultry, pulses, seeds and nuts.