Alles, was innen passiert, spiegelt sich außen wider: Die Geschichte, wie eine Blutuntersuchung Elena half, ihr Wohlbefinden und ihr Haar zurückzugewinnen

Elena's story: More than just hair loss

Elena, a 38-year-old woman, came to my office with a dull look in her eyes. She told me that for two years she had been struggling with significant hair loss, which had drastically reduced her hair volume. She also suffered from dry skin, facial redness, unexplained weight gain, and mood swings that trapped her in a cycle of frustration and sadness.

Over the past six months, she had consulted several doctors, but no one could determine the cause of her symptoms. Elena was desperately searching for answers. She wanted to try a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment for her hair, but before proceeding, I suggested something fundamental: a comprehensive and thorough blood test.

Everything starts from within

Hair, skin, and mood reflect what's happening in the body. Factors like vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or even autoimmune diseases can cause problems like Elena's. In her case, I decided to conduct a thorough examination and had a battery of tests performed, including hormone markers, vitamins, minerals, and inflammatory parameters.

The lab results: key to the puzzle

These were the most important findings:

Thyroid at its limit:

• TSH:  4.50 (upper range, close to hypothyroidism).
  Effect:  An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, which can cause diffuse hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings.

Vitamin D deficiency:

• Value:  46.0 nmol/L (deficiency; normal is >50).
  Effect:  A vitamin D deficiency can disrupt the hair follicle cycle and contribute to hair loss. It can also trigger depression, fatigue, and skin problems.

Low vitamin B12:

• Value:  162 pmol/L (low; optimal >250).
  Effect:  A B12 deficiency reduces the oxygen and nutrient supply to the scalp, weakening the hair. It also affects the nervous system, leading to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sadness.

Iron and its availability:

• Serum iron:  Low (10.8 µmol/L).
• Transferrin saturation:  19.9% ​​(low).
  Impact:  Although the ferritin level was normal, the low availability of functional iron indicates that the follicles are not receiving sufficient oxygen and nutrients, which worsens hair loss.

Folic acid in the normal range:

• Although within the normal range, a folate deficiency can impair hair growth and contribute to mental fatigue.

Effects on hair, skin and mood

Each of these deficiencies contributed to Elena's condition:

• Hair:  The hair loss resulted from a combination of deficiencies (iron, vitamin D and B12) and possibly incipient subclinical hypothyroidism.
• Skin:  The dry skin and redness were a result of vitamin D deficiency and metabolic changes caused by the thyroid.
• Mood:  Low vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels, as well as thyroid imbalance, explained her irritability, sadness, and fatigue.

Why a blood test is important before PRP treatment

PRP is a powerful tool for stimulating hair growth. But if the underlying causes aren't addressed, the problem will persist. For Elena, hair loss wasn't just an aesthetic issue; it reflected internal imbalances that needed to be addressed first.

• Optimizing PRP:  When the body is balanced (nutrients, hormones), treatments like PRP show a higher success rate.
• Prevention of major illnesses:  A blood test can reveal problems such as hypothyroidism or nutrient deficiencies, which, if treated promptly, can improve quality of life.

The importance of an annual blood test

Elena's case is clear evidence of how a comprehensive blood test can change lives. Such tests not only help diagnose hidden health problems but also serve as a preventative tool.

• Healthy hair and skin:  Identifying and correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• Emotional stability:  Identification of hormonal imbalances that affect mood.
• Disease prevention:  Treating conditions such as hypothyroidism or anemia before they cause major problems.

Elena's progress

With a personalized plan, Elena began supplementing with vitamin D, B12, and iron. She also started thyroid therapy. After three months, her skin was more hydrated, her mood improved, and hair loss was significantly reduced. With her body in balance, we finally began the PRP treatment, which produced excellent results.

Final recommendations

1. Comprehensive medical consultation:  Before any aesthetic or medical treatment such as PRP, a complete blood test should be performed to identify and treat any possible imbalances.
2. Appropriate supplementation:  If deficiencies occur, supplement with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, B12, iron, or folic acid under the supervision of a health professional.
3. Holistic care:  Hair, skin, and mood health are closely linked to nutrition, hormone levels, and lifestyle habits. An integrative approach ensures better results across the board.
4. Annual blood test as a habit:  A blood test once a year is not only preventative, but also helps you better understand your body and detect problems early.

PRP: A magical method for hair

PRP treatment is a magical method for hair revitalization once the internal causes are under control. I recommend four sessions spaced four weeks apart for optimal results and to strengthen the hair follicles. 

As a biomedical analyst,  I can assist you in selecting the necessary blood tests and interpreting the results to ensure you're on the right path. Working with a physician overseeing your treatment, you'll receive the best possible care.  

Your well-being and self-confidence are my priority!  If you're experiencing similar issues to Elena's, remember: everything that happens inside is reflected outside. Together we can work to bring your body into balance and restore your health.