Most of the time, dermatologists are able to determine the cause of hair loss during a physical examination and trichometric analysis.
It's best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it's FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it's important to rule out these causes.
If you're experiencing significant or sudden hair loss, consulting a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist or trichologist, is advisable. They can help determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes.
Hereditary baldness is so common that many people see it as part of the ageing process. If you start to notice significant hair loss or hair thinning, consult a dermatologist to see if the cause and available treatments can be identified.
If your doctor suspects that an underlying medical condition may be the cause of hair loss, a blood test or scalp biopsy may be recommended. All of these diagnostic tests can be conducted in your dermatologist's office.
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
Unfortunately, in most cases hair loss treatments are not covered by insurance. Since hair loss doesn't affect your daily activity like a medical injury or illness would, it is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered.
Some women experience thinning over the lateral scalp. Common conditions that mimic androgenetic alopecia include thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, and malnutrition.
Detect Hair Loss at Home
Allow hairs that are firmly rooted in the scalp to pass through your grasp, but maintain enough traction so that loose hairs are pulled clean. About 2-5 hairs will be pulled in a normal adult. Up to 3 or 4 times that amount will be pulled free in adults who suffer with hair loss.
Most insurance plans consider hair loss to be a cosmetic condition and will not cover office visits for consultations or treatment.
A dermatologist can also provide guidance on additional steps you can take (adapted cosmetics, treatment of food supplements, etc.) to curb this condition. So, consult a dermatologist specializing in hair loss or a doctor specializing in female hair loss.
In female pattern baldness: Hair thins mainly on the top and crown of the scalp. It usually starts with a widening through the center hair part.
A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.
In addition to thyroid medications, treatments such as minoxidil, a hair growth lotion, and low-level laser therapy, a treatment that uses light to stimulate hair growth, may be recommended to help your hair come back faster.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
Effective treatment for hair loss begins with finding the cause. To get an accurate diagnosis, it helps to see a board-certified dermatologist. These doctors have in-depth knowledge about the many causes of hair loss and experience treating the diverse causes.
A trichologist is a physician that specialises in the health of hair and the scalp. They are qualified to identify and treat all forms of hair loss and can carry out surgical procedures like an FUE hair transplant.
Symptoms of Low Vitamin D
There are several physical indicators of vitamin D deficiency to watch out for. Common symptoms include: Thinning hair or increased hair loss. Fatigue and low energy levels.
What Does a Trichologist Do? Specialists working in this field help people with issues such as hair loss, hair breakage, oily scalp, and scalp psoriasis. Some trichologists can also treat problems related to conditions like alopecia and trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder.
Male pattern baldness doesn't hurt. Many start to notice the early stages of male pattern baldness by their 30s, but they may begin as early as your late teenage years or early 20s. Hair loss on your crown usually appears in a circular shape. A receding hairline often occurs in an “M” shape.