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How To Rule Out Androgenetic Alopecia?
Question: Can dermatologist notice early early signs of hair loss?
generally I'm paranoid about hairloss even though I have a thick head of hair. I've been on trt over a year which is known to increase dht levels which can lead to hair loss. My research has led me to conclude that testosterone usually doesn't cause hairloss unless you are predisposed to it genetically and in which case it may accelerate the process. it appears I am not predisposed to it on my father's side but my mother's side is a mystery because she was adopted. Regardless I'd like to keep tabs on it and
was wondering if it's worth mentioning to my dermo
because if I ever did have signs of hair loss I'd like to get on procepia or finastriad (not sure on the sp elling) right away. I may visit the dermo one or twice a year what's for other reasons so it gives them a chance monitor it
generally I'm paranoid about hairloss even though I have a thick head of hair. I've been on trt over a year which is known to increase dht levels which can lead to hair loss. My research has led me to conclude that testosterone usually doesn't cause hairloss unless you are predisposed to it genetically and in which case it may accelerate the process. it appears I am not predisposed to it on my father's side but my mother's side is a mystery because she was adopted. Regardless I'd like to keep tabs on it and
was wondering if it's worth mentioning to my dermo
because if I ever did have signs of hair loss I'd like to get on procepia or finastriad (not sure on the sp elling) right away. I may visit the dermo one or twice a year what's for other reasons so it gives them a chance monitor it
Brief Answer:
Clinical diagnosis important, special investigations rarely required
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for writing to us on HCM.
I appreciate your concern regarding hair fall. Hair fall is usually ascribed to multiple factors like diet and nutrition, hormones, stress, cosmetic products etc.
The kind of alopecia you are suspecting is called Male pattern hair loss or Androgenteic alopecia, which is due to male hormone, testosterone y your genetics.
It typically presents as gradual, symmetric thinning of hair in a distinct pattern.
In males, there is classical M-shaped pattern of hairloss on the front and vertex of head.
The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is chiefly clinical with typical history and pattern of hairloss.The subtle signs of androgenetic alopecia can be picked up by dermatologist. The early signs to look for are smooth outline of frontal scalp, and inverted V-shaped recession of frontal hairline. Also there is will be progressive thinning of hair shaft.
Certain tests which can be performed to aid in diagnosis are Daily hair count (> 100 hair per day is pathological hairloss), trichogram or hair pluck test shows thinning of hair, phototrichogram to measure hair density.
Apart from these I would also suggest some basic investigations like CBC,blood sugar, Thyroid function test, vitamin B12 and D3, etc.
I hope your query is resolved.
Let me know if you require any further assistance from my side.
Take care
Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Clinical diagnosis important, special investigations rarely required
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for writing to us on HCM.
I appreciate your concern regarding hair fall. Hair fall is usually ascribed to multiple factors like diet and nutrition, hormones, stress, cosmetic products etc.
The kind of alopecia you are suspecting is called Male pattern hair loss or Androgenteic alopecia, which is due to male hormone, testosterone y your genetics.
It typically presents as gradual, symmetric thinning of hair in a distinct pattern.
In males, there is classical M-shaped pattern of hairloss on the front and vertex of head.
The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is chiefly clinical with typical history and pattern of hairloss.The subtle signs of androgenetic alopecia can be picked up by dermatologist. The early signs to look for are smooth outline of frontal scalp, and inverted V-shaped recession of frontal hairline. Also there is will be progressive thinning of hair shaft.
Certain tests which can be performed to aid in diagnosis are Daily hair count (> 100 hair per day is pathological hairloss), trichogram or hair pluck test shows thinning of hair, phototrichogram to measure hair density.
Apart from these I would also suggest some basic investigations like CBC,blood sugar, Thyroid function test, vitamin B12 and D3, etc.
I hope your query is resolved.
Let me know if you require any further assistance from my side.
Take care
Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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