Androgenetic alopecia

Test

Used to measure the telogen hair density. [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Hair-pull testFrom the collection of Paradi Mirmirani MD; used with permission [Citation ends].Approximately 50 to 100 hairs are grasped between the thumb and the middle and index fingers and then firmly pulled.

The test should be performed on the frontal and occipital area for comparison.

Test

Important to exclude thyroid dysfunction in men and women with diffuse hair loss.[9]Birch MP, Lalla SC, Messenger AG. Female pattern hair loss. Clin Exp. Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):383-88. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12190638?tool=bestpractice.com [27]Whiting DA, Olsen EA, Savin R, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of finasteride 1 mg in men aged 41 to 60 years with male pattern hair loss. Eur J Dermatol. 2003 Mar-Apr;13(2):150-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12695131?tool=bestpractice.com

Test

Important to exclude iron deficiency in both men and women.

Test

Excludes anemia and infection as cause of hair loss.

Test

Excludes hepatic disease as cause of hair loss.

Test

Evaluates for autoimmune disease as cause of hair loss.

Test

Excludes syphilis as a cause of hair loss.

Test

Required if signs of hirsutism on other parts of body, irregular menstruation, and/or severe acne are present, to rule out Cushing disease, adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian tumor, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Test

Required if signs of hirsutism on other parts of body, irregular menstruation, and/or severe acne are present, to rule out adrenal source of excess androgens.

Test

Required if signs of hirsutism on other parts of body, irregular menstruation, and/or severe acne.

Test

Usually not necessary but may be used as a diagnostic tool to distinguish from other nonscarring forms of alopecia.

Test

Usually not necessary but may be used as a diagnostic tool to distinguish from other nonscarring forms of alopecia.