Why Is My Hair Thinning When My Blood Tests Are “Normal”?
This is one of the most common questions I hear in clinic.
And the first thing I always recommend when hair thinning begins is a visit to your GP for blood testing. But when someone says, “My blood tests are normal,” the next question should always be:
How detailed were those tests?
Because not all blood tests are created equal.
What does “normal” actually mean?
Many standard blood panels only test a narrow range of markers. For example, with thyroid testing there is:
- A basic screening test
- And then a full thyroid panel
A comprehensive thyroid assessment may include:
- TSH
- Free T4
- Free T3
- Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
- Thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies
- Sometimes Reverse T3
These markers give a much clearer picture of thyroid function — and thyroid health plays a major role in hair growth.
This level of detail matters, because time is critical with hair loss.
The earlier the cause is identified, the better the chance of slowing, stabilising, or reversing thinning.
Hair loss is rarely caused by just one thing.
Hair thinning is multifactorial. It can be influenced by:
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Hormonal imbalance
- Chronic stress
- Gut dysfunction
- Inflammation
- Genetics
- Autoimmune activity
- Scalp health
When deficiencies are present, they’re usually identified through blood work — such as low iron, vitamin B12, or vitamin D. But deficiencies are rarely just about “not taking enough supplements.”
They are often driven by:
- poor absorption
- gut imbalances
- chronic stress
- restrictive diets
- parasites or bacterial overgrowth
Which is why correcting hair loss requires addressing the root cause, not just adding tablets.
What if your blood tests really are normal?
If no deficiencies are detected, the next step is usually:
- Hormonal testing
- And in some cases, a scalp biopsy
Hormones work in balance. Too much or too little of certain hormones can trigger a cascade that disrupts the hair growth cycle and pushes follicles into shedding phases prematurely.
The gut–hair connection.
Everything begins in the gut.
A healthy, parasite-free gut with balanced bacteria plays a critical role in:
- nutrient absorption
- inflammation control
- hormone regulation
- immune balance
All of which directly influence skin and hair health.
DHT, genetics and sensitivity.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent form of testosterone involved in androgenetic (pattern) hair loss.
Some people have a genetic sensitivity to DHT. This sensitivity can remain dormant for years and then become active when the body is under stress or hormonal imbalance. When DHT binds to vulnerable follicles, it gradually miniaturises them — leading to thinner, weaker hair and eventually follicle shutdown.
This is why hair loss can suddenly appear even when blood work looks “normal.”
Autoimmune hair loss.
Conditions such as alopecia areata or lichen planopilaris etc are autoimmune in nature and require early intervention. Acting quickly improves the chance of reactivating follicles and preventing further loss.
Why scalp health matters?
The scalp is not just skin. It is a living, highly absorbent tissue.
In fact, the scalp absorbs up to four times more than other areas of the body. What you apply to it can enter your bloodstream — which is why ingredient quality matters.
A healthy scalp environment supports:
- blood flow to follicles
- oxygen delivery
- nutrient transport
- reduced inflammation
- balanced oil production
All essential for hair growth.
Supporting hair growth safely and long term.
Ellà Viè Scalp Elixir was formulated to support hair growth without causing further irritation or long-term damage.
It uses:
- cold-pressed, organic oils
- lightweight, non-comedogenic ingredients
- botanicals studied for their role in circulation, inflammation control and DHT modulation
- a preservative-free, fragrance-free base suitable for sensitive scalps
The goal is not to “force” growth — but to restore the scalp environment so follicles can function as they were designed to.