Risks and limits of Haarausfall Alltag

Hair loss in daily life can stem from genetics (e.g., androgenetic alopecia), stress, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, or thyroid disorders. DNA tests for hair loss (e.g., on the AR gene or rs1801133 in MTHFR) typically show weak associations and are not diagnostic. Evidence is mostly mechanistic or from GWAS, not from clinical trials. For example, rs1801133 may indicate reduced folate conversion, but without blood homocysteine levels, its relevance is unclear. The AR gene CAG repeat length is rarely measured accurately by DTC tests. Risks include overinterpretation, unnecessary supplement use (e.g., methylfolate), and delaying a proper medical workup. For sudden or patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), see a dermatologist. Bottom line: DNA tests can offer clues but cannot replace clinical evaluation.