Hair Loss in Women: Irregular periods = Blood tests

Irregular periods = Blood tests

When speaking with patients about their hair loss, there are many pieces of information that a patient may share that should trigger the clinician to look deeper into the particular issue.

Irregular menstrual cycles in women are one such example especially when they occur in females age 16 to 43. Of course, there are many reasons for irregular periods and some of these reasons may have nothing to do with hair loss.

However, a variety of medical issues associated with hair loss may cause irregular periods. These include polycystic ovarian syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperprolactinemia, Cushings, adrenal and ovarian tumors and cysts, stress, excessive dieting, thyroid disease.

The evaluation of women with irregular periods is best done on a case by case basis after review of all the facts. Blood tests shown here are frequently helpful especially in the third to fifth day of the menstrual cycle and especially in the morning. Patients with abnormalities may sometimes undergo further testing or referral, depending on the suspected cause.