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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
  1. COLLECT SAMPLE: We send you an easy-to-use kit to collect your blood sample.
  2. POST SAMPLE: Post your sample to our lab in the prepaid envelope provided.
  3. 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.

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.

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.
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