Hair loss is a common problem affecting millions across the world. Ranging from genetic predisposition or medically induced conditions to personal lifestyle choices, the pursuit of solution paths usually starts with the discovery of the root cause.
Diagnostic tests greatly help in this regard by giving some cue into what treatment and management strategy can be adopted. Let’s delve into the key diagnostic tests for hair loss and why they matter.
1. Medical History and Physical Examination
A detailed medical history and physical examination are indispensable to get a sophisticated diagnosis. This primarily begins with your personal medical history, your family’s, any recent stressors, medications, or health conditions. The physical examination generally focuses on the condition of the scalp, hair density, and the pattern of loss.
Why It Matters: Your medical history and physical examination can provide early clues regarding the cause of hair loss. For example, recent major stress or system illness may point to reversible forms of hair loss, including telogen effluvium. On the other hand, a family history of male-pattern or female-pattern baldness may point to androgenetic alopecia.
2. Scalp Biopsy
A scalp biopsy means the removal of a small portion of skin from your scalp, after which the tissue sample is sent under the microscope for diagnosis. This test may turn out very useful for diagnosing alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, and scarring alopecia, among other causes of hair loss.
Why It Matters: This clearly identifies a lot of the hair loss conditions that can otherwise be left undiagnosed using other tests. The pathology identified can help dermatologists better tailor a treatment plan. For example, differentiation between inflammatory conditions requiring immunotherapy versus ones amenable to topical treatments can be spotted through a biopsy.
3. Hair Pull Test
In the hair pull test, a small amount of hair is grasped between the dermatologist’s fingers and then very gently pulled to assess how many strands come out with this action. This is usually performed in the areas of maximum hair loss.
Why It Matters: The hair pull test may indicate the degree of hair loss and its type. If more than 6 hairs come out easily, it may suggest an excessive rate of hair shedding. Diagnosis of telogen effluvium or alopecia areata can be made with this information.
4. Trichoscopy
Trichoscopy is a non-invasive investigation wherein the examination is carried out by a special magnifying device of the scalp and the hair follicles. This test gives an excellent view of hair shafts and follicles, outlining patterns not otherwise seen by the naked eye.
Why It Matters: Trichoscopy is a method enabling the identification of subtle changes in the hair and scalp, which are hallmarks of certain types of hair loss. For example, it allows for the detection of miniaturized hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia or the presence of inflammation or scarring. This detailed analysis can help guide inappropriate treatments and measure treatment effectiveness over time.
5. Blood Tests
Blood tests are carried out for the diagnosis of the systemic causes of hair loss. They include:
Thyroid Function: High or low thyroid levels can lead to thinning hair.
Iron Levels: Low iron is another common cause of hair loss, particularly in women.
Vitamin D and B12: Deficiencies of these vitamins have been linked to poor hair health.
Hormones: Tests for testosterone, DHT, and estrogen can be relevant for females who are suffering from hair loss.
Why It Matters: Blood tests will identify underlying health issues that could be causing hair loss. Iron deficiency can be supplemented by medication and a change in diet that might improve hair growth. Likewise, abnormal thyroid function could indicate a correction to be made in the management of thyroids that might reverse hair loss.
6. Genetic Testing
Genetic testing considers certain genes that are known to have an effect on the conditions of hair loss, one of which is androgenetic alopecia. On the basis of this DNA analysis, these tests can project an estimate for the chances of having hereditary hair loss.
Why It Matters: Genetic testing provides information about your predisposition to some forms of hair loss. Grasping this concept will put you and the doctor in a position to make informed decisions regarding preventive measures or early interventions. For instance, had the genetic test results shown you are at high risk from androgenetic alopecia, you could start early treatment to slow progression.
7. Hair Shaft Examination
This test involves looking at individual strands of hair under a microscope for defects in the structure. It can detect problems like hair shaft breaks that may occur due to external factors such as chemicals or too much heat application.
Why It Matters: The determination of the condition of the hair shaft helps to distinguish between hair breakage and real hair loss. This distinction is important in advising appropriate treatments. For example, if it is a problem of breakage, intervention in ways of care for the hair may be more helpful than systemic treatments.
The Bottom Line
Effective management of hair loss begins with an accurate diagnosis based on a combination of tests. So, if you’re losing hair, don’t hesitate to get a full evaluation. Understanding what’s at the root of the problem is the first step toward effective management. If you’re in Abu Dhabi and looking for a hair transplant, there are plenty of good options. Just search “hair transplant Abu Dhabi” In your search bar to find the best clinic.
