Hair Loss

Hair Loss in Men

The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia in men is generally straightforward. It is made by observing a “patterned” distribution of hair loss (i.e. baldness that affects the front, top and crown)and by noting the presence of miniaturized hair in the areas of thinning. Miniaturization, the progressive decrease in hair shaft diameter and length, can be identified using an instrument called a densitometer and is seen only in genetic balding. The diagnosis of male pattern hair loss is supported by the progression of the hair loss according to a recognizable pattern and by a history of baldness in the family, although a family history is not always present.

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Hair Loss in Women

In women, the diagnosis is more complex, as the most common presentation of balding, a diffuse pattern, can have a variety of non-androgenetic causes including pregnancy, gynecologic problems, birth control pills, and thyroid disease. Because underlying medical conditions can produce hair loss that can closely mimic the diffuse pattern seen in genetic hair loss, a careful diagnostic evaluation is particularly important.

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Additional Hair Loss Information

If you would like to learn more about hair, how it grows and its function, go to: Hair Anatomy, Hair Growth, and the Functions of Hair.

Read an interview on hair loss with Dr. Bernstein where he discusses the various aspects of baldness and how it is being treated today.

Losing one’s hair can be very difficult emotionally. Read some of Dr. Bernstein comments on the psychological aspects of hair loss.

There are many misconceptions about hair loss and balding – read about the Top 10 Hair Loss Myths.