What works for one person may not work for you – and you deserve to have that information before treatment starts! That’s why we’re so excited to offer our patients suffering from hair loss a revolutionary opportunity to customize their hair loss treatments, with DNA hair testing through TrichoTest.
DNA hair testing is a targeted approach to deliver personalized hair growth therapies, based on your unique genetic variations. Why do you need to personalize your therapies? Not everyone responds to the same treatment in the same way – often it’s difficult or impossible to know exactly how a patient will respond to treatment until the treatment is well underway.
That’s why Personalized Precision Medicine is quickly becoming a critical component of healthcare. Personalized medicine uses genetic testing to tailor medical treatments to meet your specific needs, based on your DNA and lifestyle factors.
The American Hair Loss Association estimated that more than 80 million men and women are suffering from hair loss concerns in the U.S., with a shocking 400 percent increase in patient demand for treatment options since the pandemic. Hair loss is an emotional situation and can lead to feelings of inadequacy or stress. Dy Dermatology Center helps more than 400 clients each month with hair loss issues, and our experienced team is ready to boost your confidence with targeted hair growth treatments, thanks to TrichoTest.
How Can DNA Testing Impact My Hair Growth Therapies?
Alopecia is a gradual and progressive ailment affecting both men and women. This condition is determined by a variety of factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The intrinsic factors are genetic, related to genes and their expression. Although genetic factors typically have a higher influence on alopecia, extrinsic factors such as lifestyle, personal habits, and stress can accelerate the development of alopecia. Currently, there are many treatment options for alopecia, which is why hair genetic testing, or Trichotest, is so important: to help determine which treatment is best for you.
This targeted approach, along with Dr. Dy’s medical expertise, will result in treatments that are safer and more effective, without the need for trial-and-error therapies. This approach can help save you time, frustration, and money!
What Is Trichotest?
TrichoTest is a genetic test that analyzes genetic variations, including specific metabolic pathways related to androgenic hair loss called SNPS (single nucleotide polymorphisms), along with lifestyle factors that cause hair loss. This process offers both patient and provider a fuller understanding of the underlying factors behind your alopecia development. The results from TrichoTest are then used to predict your response to certain drugs and susceptibility to environmental factors.
For example, not every patient responds to minoxidil. Some individuals can have a genetic variant that affects their ability to metabolize minoxidil. Without this information, you could waste valuable time and money on a drug that may never work for you. This is where TrichoTest can help: by providing critical genetic information, Dr. Dy can find an alternative drug, and develop a more customized and personalized treatment to maximize efficacy – and maximize your results.
How Is Trichotest Performed?
TrichoTest is quick and completely non-invasive. It is performed as a 1-minute oral swab and submitted to a designated laboratory for genetic analysis, along with a brief questionnaire. Dr. Dy can recommend the TrichoTest as part of your hair loss evaluation, or you can request the test by calling Dr. Dy’s clinic at 847.832.1185. We recommend scheduling an in-office visit to interpret Trichotest results, which typically arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
Is The Test Reliable?
Yes, it is! TrichoTest is an innovative, state-of-the-art genetic test backed by clinical research, using custom-designed DNA microarray technology to analyze genetic variations. It analyzes 3 polymorphisms within 16 SNPS, resulting in 48 genetic variations on the most relevant mutations on hair loss genes. All SNPS used have been scientifically validated in population studies and is 99.9% reproducible.
Who Are The Candidates For Trichotesting?
Any patient who is concerned about hair loss may benefit from Trichotesting. If you’re currently undergoing hair growth treatments and not showing a significant response, the TrichoTest is an invaluable option, as it can reveal hair growth treatments that can work better for you.
No matter where you are in your hair re-growth journey, our team is ready to get you there with a customized treatment plan. Reach out to the professionals at Dy Dermatology Center to learn more, and schedule your consultation today!