{"id":12040,"date":"2024-07-26T20:20:48","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T20:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=12040"},"modified":"2024-07-26T20:20:48","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T20:20:48","slug":"how-to-diagnose-hair-loss-know-the-important-tests-to-undergo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=12040","title":{"rendered":"How to diagnose hair loss: Know the important tests to undergo"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n We do lose a few hair strands every day, but is it a cause for worry? Instead of wondering, get some tests to measure hair loss and find out its cause. <\/p>\n

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Hair loss, which is a common problem, refers to the partial or complete loss of hair from the scalp. It affects men and women, young and old. Usually, factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and stress contribute to hair loss. These problems need to be addressed, but instead of drawing your own conclusions, you should go for some tests that will help in diagnosing the cause of hair loss. Diagnosing hair loss involves a variety of methods. Right from physical examination to blood tests, there are many ways to measure hair loss.<\/p>\n

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What are the causes of hair loss?<\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t have to worry if you lose between 50 and 100 hair strands in a day because our bodies grow new hair. While that happens, shedding of old hair takes place, and this shedding is not a sign of hair loss<\/a>, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association<\/a>. However, if you notice significantly more hair loss such as clumps of hair falling out or bald patches, it may indicate a problem, says cosmetologist Dr Avantika Srivastava<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Hormones may lead to hair loss. Image courtesy: Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are some of the causes of hair loss:<\/p>\n

1. Genetics<\/h3>\n

If there is a family history of hair loss, it is likely that you may experience it as well. This condition is characterised by a gradual thinning of hair, usually starting at the crown and temple areas. The genetic component influences the sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens, which can shrink follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle.<\/p>\n

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2. Hormonal changes<\/h3>\n

Pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome<\/a> (PCOS) can lead to changes in hormone levels. For instance, during pregnancy, elevated oestrogen levels prolong the growth phase of hair, while postpartum hormonal shifts can trigger hair shedding. Menopause and PCOS often involve imbalances in androgens and other hormones, contributing to hair thinning<\/a> and loss, says the expert.<\/p>\n

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3. Medical conditions<\/h3>\n

Thyroid disorders can cause disruption in the hair growth cycle. Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata cause the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Scalp infections, including fungal infections can damage hair follicles and impede hair growth.<\/p>\n

4. Nutritional deficiencies<\/h3>\n

There is a reason why a lot of emphasis is given on a balanced diet, which is important for overall health. Lack of essential nutrients<\/a>, including iron, protein, and vitamins, can lead to many health problem, including hair loss.<\/p>\n

5. Stress<\/h3>\n

Both physical and emotional stress can impact your hair health. Stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase. This can occur after traumatic events, major surgeries, or severe illnesses. Emotional stress, such as anxiety and depression, also disrupts hormonal balance and affects hair growth.<\/p>\n

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6. Medications<\/h3>\n

Certain medications for conditions like acne, depression, and hypertension may have hair loss as a side effect. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly prescribed antidepressants, can lead to slight to intolerable hair loss, as per a 2022 review published in Psychiatry Research<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What are the ways to measure hair loss?<\/h2>\n

Here are ways to diagnose hair loss:<\/p>\n

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1. Medical history<\/h3>\n

Sharing your medical history with a doctor is essential in hair loss examination. It helps determine if factors like genetics, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or medical conditions contribute to hair loss. Understanding a person\u2019s medical background ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans. You should reveal information like postpartum hair fall or chronic drinking and smoking habits that might have also led to hair fall.<\/p>\n

2. Scalp examination<\/h3>\n

A scalp examination is exactly what it sounds like. It means visually inspecting the scalp to assess the extent and pattern of hair loss. The doctor will look for signs of redness, bumps, scaling, flakiness, oiliness or other abnormalities in hair follicles. This examination helps diagnose conditions like alopecia, infections, or dermatological diseases.<\/p>\n

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3. Pull test<\/h3>\n

The doctor will gently pull a small section of your hair to see how many strands come out. By gently pulling a small section of hair, the dermatologist can assess the number of hair that easily comes out, indicating the severity and type of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium or anagen effluvium, says Dr Srivastava. This test aids in diagnosing hair disorders and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.<\/p>\n

4. Scalp biopsy<\/h3>\n

A scalp biopsy is a diagnostic procedure where a small piece of skin from the scalp is surgically removed using a punch biopsy or any other tool, and sent for examination at a diagnostic lab. This test is crucial for accurately diagnosing anything that is happening underneath your scalp and if not macroscopically visible on the surface.<\/p>\n

5. Blood tests<\/h3>\n

Here are some of the most common blood tests used to diagnose hair loss \u2013<\/p>\n