Hairfall Screening Checkup

DHEAS test measures the DHEAS level in the blood. DHEAS is a male sex hormone which is present both in men and women. It is majorly produced by the adrenal glands. Along with that, it is produced in small quantities by ovaries in women and by testicles in men. DHEAS plays an important role in developing secondary sexual characteristics at puberty in males. It can be further converted into more potent androgens by the body such as testosterone and androstenedione. Whereas, in females, it can be converted into the female hormone estrogen.

For proper adrenal gland function, the production of DHEAS is important and is treated as a marker. In case of adrenal tumors (cancerous and non-cancerous) and adrenal hyperplasia, there is an overproduction of DHEAS. However, in very few cases, high levels of DHEAS can be seen in ovarian tumors. 

Vitamin B12 is a part of B complex of vitamins. Vitamin B12 is also called as Cobalamin. It is a water soluble vitamin. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in formation of normal red blood cells, repair of tissues, DNA synthesis and genetic material in cells. It is not produced in the body and has to be taken in diet. The diet sources include red meat, fish, milk, poultry, yoghurt, eggs, fortified cereals, breads and other grain products. It can also be taken in the form of Vitamin B12 tablets or multivitamin pills. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 results in macrocytic anemia (size of red blood cells larger than normal).

Megaloblastic anemia is a type of macrocytic anemia, in which large size red blood cells called as macrocytes are produced. These red blood cells are fewer in number. There is a decrease in white blood cell count and platelet count. Megaloblastic anemia occurs due to acquired deficiency of Vitamin B12. The reason can be an inadequate dietary intake of Vitamin B12 or any problem in the absorption of Vitamin B12 from the intestines.

In case of problem in the absorption of Vitamin B12 from intestines, it is known as Pernicious anemia. It occurs due to lack of intrinsic factor which is present in secretions of the stomach.

Vitamin B12 is also important for nerve health and is taken as a nutritional supplement for the treatment of nerve damage.

Vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor (protein secreted by cells in the stomach). After binding, a complex is formed which is absorbed by the small intestine. In case of any disease interfering in this process can cause weakening of absorption of Vitamin B12.   

Zinc is a mineral which is a micronutrient (required by the body in small amounts). It has a number of essential roles in the body. Zinc is a structural component of a number of proteins. It is essential in the synthesis of proteins and DNA, for cell division, and is necessary for proper enzymatic activity. It is also essential in the proper functioning of the immune system and in wound healing. Zinc is essential for proper physical and mental growth and development of children. It is also essential for the senses of taste and smell.

Zinc is absorbed primarily from dietary sources. It is transported in the serum bound to proteins, namely, albumin and alpha-macroglobulin. Excess zinc is disposed out of the body primarily through the feces, and a small amount through urine and sweat. The absorbed amount of zinc is utilized by almost all the cells of the body but is not stored anywhere in particular.

Testosterone is a sex hormone which is mainly found in men. It can also be found in women but in small amounts. The appearance of male physical characteristics is due to testosterone hormone. Testosterone Total measures the levels of testosterone in the blood. 

In men, testosterone is produced by the Leydig cells present in the testicles. It is also produced by the adrenal glands in both males and females. In females, small amounts of testosterone are produced by the ovaries. 

The function of testosterone is to develop secondary sex characteristics which include enlargement of the penis, body hair growth, development of muscle, and deepening of the voice. During puberty, it is produced in large amounts in males. In adult males, its function is to regulate the sex drive and to maintain muscle mass. In adult females, the testosterone gets converted to estradiol, which is the main sex hormone in females.

The testosterone hormone production is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. As the levels of testosterone rise, the production of LH decreases which in turn slows down the production of testosterone. Similarly, when the levels of testosterone fall, it leads to an increase in production of LH which stimulates testosterone production.

The levels of testosterone are highest in the early morning and lowest in the evening. With exercise, the levels of testosterone increase and with age the levels decrease. 

In the blood, about two-thirds of testosterone hormone is bound to sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and about one-third is bound to albumin. A small amount is present as free testosterone.