Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: Trichoscopy as a Diagnostic Method to Simplify the Proper Diagnosis — Case Report

October 2019 in “ Journal of Face Aesthetics ”

Dominik Mikiel

androgenetic alopecia trichoscopy diffuse hair loss scalp biopsy laboratory tests female pattern hair loss hair loss diagnosis

TLDR Trichoscopy helps diagnose female hair loss easily.

The document discussed a case report of a woman with diffuse hair loss, where trichoscopy, a noninvasive diagnostic method, was used to diagnose androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss in women, and its diagnosis typically involves various procedures, including laboratory tests and sometimes scalp biopsies. Trichoscopy has proven to be a useful tool in simplifying the diagnostic process. The treatment of hair loss can be complex and prolonged, but following scientific recommendations can be beneficial.

View this study on jofa.ump.edu.pl →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society

2 citations, January 2018 in “Dermatology Review/Przegląd Dermatologiczny”

Use trichoscopy to diagnose hair loss; treat with minoxidil, finasteride, or dutasteride; consider platelet-rich plasma and spironolactone.

Two Different Trichoscopic Patterns of Mid-Frontal Scalp in Patients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Clinical Features of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Two Different Trichoscopic Patterns of Mid-Frontal Scalp in Patients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Clinical Features of Androgenetic Alopecia

2 citations, January 2017 in “Przegla̧d dermatologiczny”

Two trichoscopic patterns found in hair loss: diffuse fibrotic and androgenetic alopecia, affecting treatment choice and regrowth chances.

research Telogen Effluvium: A Review

70 citations, January 2015 in “Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research”

Hair loss from Telogen Effluvium usually gets better within 6 months after addressing the cause.

research Primary Cicatricial Alopecia: Diagnosis and Treatment

48 citations, May 2013 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal”

Primary cicatricial alopecia, a rare disorder causing permanent hair loss, is hard to diagnose and treat, with treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids offering varied results and no guaranteed cure. Psychological support for patients is important, and future research should aim to identify causes of the condition.

research Hair Through the Female Life Cycle

40 citations, December 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Women's hair generally gets thinner and less dense starting in their mid-thirties, with hair loss becoming more common as they age due to both genetics and environment.

research S1 Guideline for Diagnostic Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, Women, and Adolescents

151 citations, August 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Guidelines for diagnosing common hair loss include detailed history, clinical examination, and various diagnostic techniques.

research Dermoscopy in Female Androgenic Alopecia: Method Standardization and Diagnostic Criteria

129 citations, January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy can diagnose female hair loss with high accuracy by looking for specific patterns in hair and scalp appearance.

research Dermatologic Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

76 citations, January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Women with PCOS often have skin problems like excessive hair, acne, hair loss, and dark patches, which can be treated with hormonal and non-hormonal therapies.

research The Reliability of Horizontally Sectioned Scalp Biopsies in the Diagnosis of Chronic Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss in Women

137 citations, July 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Horizontally sectioned scalp biopsies are more reliable for diagnosing hair loss in women when three samples are taken instead of one.

research Current and Novel Methods for Assessing Efficacy of Hair Growth Promoters in Pattern Hair Loss

86 citations, February 2003 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

New methods improve how we test hair growth treatments, but challenges like slow hair changes and high costs remain.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

666 citations, September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community I bought a microscope, how does my scalp/hairs look? I've been suffering diffuse thinning and hair loss after covid and never recovered (2 yrs ago) I eat healthy, in shape and workout.

in Progress Pictures 86 upvotes 9 months ago

A person with hair loss since COVID-19 is considering treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but is hesitant due to potential side effects. Suggestions include visiting a dermatologist, using a ketoconazole shampoo, and considering that post-COVID hair loss might be an autoimmune response.

community 9 months on Fin - no progress , should I get on Dutasteride?

in Chat 10 upvotes 1 month ago

The user has been using finasteride, minoxidil, and nizoral for hair loss but hasn't seen regrowth, only maintenance. They are considering switching to dutasteride, which is believed to be more effective, but are concerned about potential side effects.

community Totally confused by doctors opinions, would appreciate some clarity

in Treatment 1 upvotes 2 weeks ago

The user is experiencing hair loss and confusion over conflicting medical advice, with treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, and topical corticosteroids. They are unsure about the necessity of a biopsy and the timing of using minoxidil, while also considering the impact of potential androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community 1 month Pyrilutamide. A non responders story to everything.

in Research/Science 218 upvotes 2 years ago

My hairline, I am only 23. This conversation is about a user's experience with treatments for androgenic alopecia, including finasteride, dutasteride, RU, minoxidil, progesterone, melatonin, LLLT, oral minoxidil, and Pyrilutamide. They have tried many treatments over the course of two years without seeing much success, and they are considering getting a hair system as a last resort.

community I Think it is Over for me Bros. I'm Cooked.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 49 upvotes 2 months ago

A 24-year-old user tried finasteride, oral minoxidil, and dutasteride for hair loss but saw no improvement and was advised by their dermatologist to accept baldness. Other users suggested alternative treatments like RU58841, pyrilutamide, microneedling, and checking for underlying conditions or lifestyle factors.

Related Research

15 / 15 results

research Hair Transplantation in Androgenetic Alopecia

June 2021 in “Cosmoderma”

Hair transplantation techniques have improved, making the process safer and more effective with less visible scarring.

research Surgical Interventions for Androgenetic Alopecia

March 2021 in “Dermatological reviews”

Hair transplant works well, but needs more research for better results.

research Trichoscopic Findings in Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Study

1 citations, June 2020 in “IP Indian journal of clinical and experimental dermatology”

Yellow dots were the most common sign of alopecia areata found using trichoscopy.

research Traction Alopecia: The Root of the Problem

60 citations, April 2018 in “Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology”

Tight hairstyles and chemical relaxers can cause hair loss known as traction alopecia.

research A Practical Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Hair Loss in Children and Adolescents

40 citations, July 2017 in “Frontiers in Medicine”

Early and personalized treatment for hair loss in young people is crucial to prevent permanent damage and should include psychological support.

research Hair Disorders, Treatment and Care: An Overview

November 2015

Effective treatments and proper care can manage hair disorders.

research A Review of Medical and Surgical Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia

41 citations, September 2014 in “JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery”

Use finasteride, minoxidil, and follicular unit transplantation for hair loss treatment.

research Dermoscopy in Hair Disorders

12 citations, January 2014 in “Menoufia Medical Journal”

Dermoscopy improves diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders and can help avoid unnecessary biopsies.

research Hair Restoration Approaches for Early Onset Male Androgenetic Alopecia

2 citations, September 2013 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Hair restoration combines drugs and follicular unit grafting for natural, long-lasting results.

research Hair and Scalp Dermatoscopy

245 citations, March 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dermatoscopy is useful for identifying different hair and scalp conditions and can reduce the need for biopsies.

research Management of Hair Loss Diseases

14 citations, December 2010 in “Dermatologica Sinica”

New treatments for hair loss show promise, but more development is needed, especially for tough cases.

research Treatment Strategies for Alopecia

34 citations, April 2009 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

Some treatments work for common baldness, but there's less evidence for other hair loss types, and more research is needed.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Women as an Aesthetic and Psychological Problem

January 2008 in “PubMed”

Hair loss in women can cause beauty and mental health problems, and there are various treatments available.

research Clinical Update: First Impressions of the CapilliCARE Hair and Scalp Analysis Machine in Early Androgenetic Alopecia

May 2001 in “Hair transplant forum international”

The CapilliCARE® machine shows promise for diagnosing early hair loss.

research Practical Management of Hair Loss

20 citations, July 2000 in “PubMed”

The document outlines a method for diagnosing hair loss and suggests specific treatments based on the diagnosis.