Female Pattern Hairloss Diagnosis
Female hairloss is an issue
that affects at least 20% of women.
Female hairloss can be very
difficult to diagnose. Many different conditions and causes can have a similar
superficial appearance. A visit to a board certified dermatologist is recommended,
since they specialize the most in hairloss. They will need to perform a series of
tests.
Because many doctors do not
spend much time researching hairloss, it may take visits to several doctors to find an
experienced dermatologist who knows how to diagnose and treat women's hairloss properly.
Any doctor who does not take a medical history such as the one below or perform the
blood tests below may not have the proper background and knowledge to treat your hairloss.
The following tests should be
performed in most circumstances to determine the cause of any hairloss:
- Hormone levels (DHEAS,Testosterone,
Androstenedione, Prolactin, Follicular Stimulating Hormone, and Leutinizing Hormone).
- Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin, TIBC (Total Iron
Binding capacity)
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- VDRL
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Scalp Biopsy
Your Doctor Will Need the Following Medical History
Information
|
- What is the duration of the hairloss problem?
- Is the hair coming out by the roots, or is it
breaking?
- Increased shedding or increasing thinning?
- Age of onset
- Drugs
- Menses, pregnancy, menopause
- Past health
- Family history
- Hair care, hair cosmetics
- Diet
|
| |
Differential Diagnosis |
| Hair coming out by roots |
Hair breaking |
| Telogen
effluvium |
Tinea capitis |
| Androgenetic
alopecia |
Structural
hair shaft abnormalities |
| Alopecia areata |
Breakage due to
improper use of hair care cosmetics |
| Drugs |
Anagen
arrest |
| |
Types of Hairloss |
| Non-scarring |
Scarring |
| Androgenetic
alopecia |
Discoid lupus
erythematosus |
| Telogen
effluvium |
Lichen
planus |
| Alopecia areata |
Pseudopelade |
| Tinea
capitis |
Severe
fungal, viral or bacterial infection |
|
|
If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us.