Trichoscopy and hair loss blood tests: what a hair analysis checks
Hair loss has dozens of causes, and many of them look the same in a mirror. A proper hair analysis combines a magnified look at the scalp with bloodwork, so treatment is matched to the cause. Here's what each part tells us — and how Monarch MD's 60-minute doctor-led analysis works.
- 8 years of hair care
- Thousands of patients treated
- 40+ blood biomarkers
Trichoscopy: a magnified look at your scalp
Trichoscopy uses a high-definition digital dermatoscope to magnify the scalp and hair many times over. At Monarch MD it's done live, on screen, so you see exactly what the doctor sees.
- Miniaturization — hairs of varying thickness point to pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
- Hair density and the number of hairs per follicle, measured at the part and crown
- Patterns of specific conditions, such as exclamation-mark hairs in alopecia areata
- Scalp health — redness, scaling and oil that suggest inflammation or seborrheic dermatitis
- A baseline — images saved so your progress can be compared at follow-up visits
The blood test: over 40 biomarkers
Bloodwork finds the internal drivers of hair loss that no scalp exam can see. Your doctor chooses the panel from your history; these are the main areas it covers.
Iron and blood count
Low iron stores are one of the most common, most fixable contributors to shedding, especially in women.
e.g. ferritin, iron studies, complete blood countThyroid
Both an under- and over-active thyroid can cause diffuse thinning.
e.g. TSH and thyroid hormonesHormones and androgens
Androgens drive pattern hair loss; other hormones matter in PCOS, menopause and after pregnancy.
chosen from your sex, age and historyVitamins and minerals
Deficiencies can slow growth and add shedding — and too much of some supplements can also cause hair loss.
e.g. vitamin D, B12, folate, zincMetabolic health
Blood sugar and insulin resistance are linked to hormonal hair loss and overall follicle health.
e.g. glucose and related markersInflammation and general health
Inflammation, liver and kidney function help rule out other causes and check safety before medication.
e.g. inflammatory markers, liver and kidney functionThe exact markers depend on your sex, age, symptoms and medications. Results are reviewed with you and included in your report.
Scalp exam, history and your plan
The analysis brings everything together: your medical and family history, medications, diet and stress, what you've already tried, a detailed scalp examination, trichoscopy and bloodwork. From there, the doctor explains what's causing your hair loss and what will help.
- A shampoo and scalp care recommendation
- Medical therapy options such as finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, 82F and 82D
- Natural DHT-blocker recommendations
- In-clinic treatments that fit your diagnosis
- A detailed report with your scalp and trichoscopy images
The Monarch MD hair analysis
| Who | Performed and led by a medical doctor |
| Length | 60 minutes, one-on-one and in private |
| Includes | History, live HD trichoscopy, detailed scalp exam, 40+ biomarker blood test, recommendations, report with images |
| Price | $250 + GST (not free) |
| Where | 210 16th Street, West Vancouver |
What the analysis can find
Each of these conditions is treated differently — which is why we diagnose before we treat.
Every plan is overseen by Dr. Eli Akbari
Dr. Eli Akbari, MD, FRCSC is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon (RCPSC and AAFPRS) trained at the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto. Our hair program has been established for the past 8 years, and we have treated thousands of patients across Metro Vancouver.
- A scientific, evidence-based approach — treatment chosen from your test results
- A detailed report with your scalp and trichoscopy images
- Rated 4.9 from 495 Google reviews
Hair analysis questions
What is trichoscopy?
Trichoscopy is a magnified examination of the scalp and hair using a dermatoscope or digital camera. It shows hair thickness, miniaturization, follicle openings, redness and scaling, helping a doctor tell different types of hair loss apart.
What blood tests should I get for hair loss?
Commonly checked areas include iron stores, thyroid function, hormones, vitamins and minerals, and general health markers. At Monarch MD, the doctor chooses a panel of over 40 biomarkers based on your history.
Is the hair analysis at Monarch MD free?
No. It costs $250 + GST. It takes 60 minutes, one-on-one and in private with a medical doctor, and includes live HD trichoscopy, a detailed scalp exam, the 40+ biomarker blood test, personal recommendations and a detailed report with images.
Who performs the analysis?
A medical doctor performs and leads it. Every hair plan at Monarch MD is designed and overseen by Dr. Eli Akbari, MD, FRCSC.
How is this different from a free consultation?
Free consultations are usually short and focused on selling a treatment package. Our analysis is a medical assessment: it includes bloodwork and trichoscopy, and the recommendations can include medication, shampoos and natural options — not just in-clinic treatment.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can request a hair analysis online or call 604-912-0600.
Find out what's causing your hair loss
One private hour with a doctor, a magnified look at your scalp, a 40+ biomarker blood test and a clear plan — with a detailed report and images after your visit.
Request a hair analysis$250 + GST · Only a few spots left this weekPrefer to call? 604-912-0600