Frequently asked questions

Routine laboratory results can be normal while shedding, density, hair-shaft quality or follicular activity continues to change. Standard blood panels answer a limited set of questions and do not directly measure the pattern, activity or productivity of the hair and scalp. FHI brings the visible distribution, timeline, symptoms, photographs, trichoscopy, treatment history and response together with the available laboratory findings. When a specific question remains unresolved, deeper targeted testing may be considered.

Hair growth and shedding change slowly, and more than one process may be active over time. A treatment may produce a partial response while another driver persists, a trigger may recur, or an apparent improvement may not represent stable recovery. Serial photography, trichoscopy and defined response markers help distinguish progression, stabilization, relapse, recovery and treatment response.

Further reading: Why hair improvement can slow or plateau →

FHI documents what is visible, what the history supports, which findings agree, which do not, and what remains unresolved. The assessment can identify the questions that require additional examination, records, testing, specialist input or monitoring before a confident next decision is made.

Further reading: When a hair loss diagnosis leaves questions unanswered →

Yes. Hair loss may reflect overlapping genetic, inflammatory, immune, hormonal, nutritional, medication-related, systemic or hair-shaft factors. FHI can organize the chronology, findings, prior treatment and practitioner records into one coherent case view. With the patient’s consent, the resulting priorities and monitoring information can be shared with the relevant practitioners.

The assessment considers where and how the hair is changing, the timeline, symptoms, shedding, density, shaft quality, photographs, trichoscopy or other imaging, health context, treatment history and treatment response. Available laboratory, pathology, biopsy and specialist findings are incorporated when relevant. The objective is to clarify the current pattern and activity, identify likely drivers and unresolved questions, and define the next decisions and monitoring markers.

The Initial Case Consultation includes a concise written summary of findings, unresolved questions, management priorities and next steps. Some cases require additional evidence or separately scoped and quoted analysis before a fuller opinion can be completed.

Full details: Case Review →

Testing is selected when the pattern, history or treatment response raises a specific question that could change the next decision. Depending on the case, this may include deeper blood work, hormone and metabolic assessment, nutrient and biochemical status, immune or inflammatory activity, genetics, gastrointestinal function or biological aging. FHI does not apply a standard advanced-testing panel to every patient.

FHI establishes a documented baseline and identifies the changes that matter for the individual case. Follow-up may consider standardized photographs, distribution, density, shedding, hair-shaft characteristics, trichoscopy, symptoms, treatment exposure and the expected time course. This helps distinguish true response, stability, relapse, progression and incomplete recovery.

Further reading: How measurement can change the next treatment decision →

Yes. FHI can compare current research, clinical evidence, expected time course, response markers, tolerability, implementation requirements and fit with the patient’s priorities. Depending on the case, this may include medications, procedures, devices, supplements, hair-care measures, lifestyle factors and other non-drug approaches. The result is a prioritized decision framework with a plan for assessing response.

Further reading: How to weigh your hair treatment options →

FHI provides the time, measurement, integrated interpretation and longitudinal follow-up that may be difficult to obtain in a brief appointment. The assessment can clarify treatment options, patient priorities, questions requiring local examination or testing, implementation needs and objective response markers. With consent, FHI can return a concise synthesis and follow-up priorities to the treating practitioner. Diagnosis, prescribing, procedures, investigations and other regulated treatment decisions remain with the appropriately licensed practitioner responsible for those activities.

In-person assessment is available in Toronto. Remote case review is available worldwide. Remote review depends on the quality and completeness of the submitted history, photographs, imaging and records. FHI may recommend local examination, testing or practitioner involvement when those are needed to answer the clinical question safely and accurately.

Yes. Select 'Questions Before You Begin?' to contact FHI about our services, the consultation process or how to get started.

FHI may suggest a brief introductory call when additional clarification would help determine the appropriate next step.

The Initial Case Consultation is a standalone service. Follow-up may be recommended when new findings, progression or treatment response warrant reassessment.

FHI offers Focused Follow-Up and Full Reassessment services. Timing, scope and fees are confirmed before an appointment is offered.

Review of available laboratory and clinical findings within the agreed consultation scope is included.

New laboratory testing, specialized investigations, collection kits, shipping, medications, supplements, devices and procedures may involve separate charges.

Substantial additional analysis or detailed reporting is separately scoped and quoted before work begins.

Clinical histories, photographs, laboratory results, medical records and patient messages should be submitted through Jane or another secure method specifically provided by FHI. Do not send clinical records or urgent health information to a general or research email address.

Your assessment begins before the consultation. FHI reviews your initial inquiry to determine whether the service is appropriate. Before your appointment, the relevant history, photographs, previous investigations and treatment information you have been asked to provide are organized and assessed.

The 45–60-minute consultation with Peter R. Feldman builds on that preparation to interpret findings, address uncertainties and establish priorities for your next steps.

Following the consultation, you receive a concise written summary of relevant findings and recommendations.

Substantial additional analysis or detailed reporting, when needed, is separately scoped and quoted.

View consultation fees and terms →

FHI reviews consultation inquiries before offering an appointment. Once the service and appointment are agreed, an invoice is emailed. Full payment confirms the booking.

Cancellation and rescheduling terms are disclosed before payment. The Fees page explains the applicable terms.

View consultation fees and terms →