I recently went to the dermatologist due to what I felt was excessive shedding. His suggestion was to do a scalp biopsy. Results came back androgenetic alopecia. His suggestions was rogaine. I’m questioning the biopsy results because no one in my family has female hair loss. My sister who is a hairdresser and has done my hair for 10 years plus said she sees no difference in my hair. I’ve always been thin in my temple areas and probably thinned there a bit more after kids.
October 3, 2017
Answer: Female Androgenetic Alopecia Thank you for your question and posting your picture. The vast majority of hair loss in women is caused by androgenetic alopecia so I suspect the diagnosis is correct. The inheritance pattern can be from either your mother or father so it would not be surprising if there was no female androgenetic alopecia in your family. Other conditions which can result in alopecia are thyroid disease, nutritional deficiencies, systemic diseases, infection, and neoplasm. You don't state anything in your medical history to reflect these conditions and most are quite rare.I would recommend seeing a hair restoration specialist to optimize your treatment plan for preserving and restoring your hair. There are a number of options available to you including low level laser therapy, PRP, minoxidil, and some topical products which can reduce the effects of DHT (the principal cause of androgenetic alopecia).I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.
Helpful
October 3, 2017
Answer: Female Androgenetic Alopecia Thank you for your question and posting your picture. The vast majority of hair loss in women is caused by androgenetic alopecia so I suspect the diagnosis is correct. The inheritance pattern can be from either your mother or father so it would not be surprising if there was no female androgenetic alopecia in your family. Other conditions which can result in alopecia are thyroid disease, nutritional deficiencies, systemic diseases, infection, and neoplasm. You don't state anything in your medical history to reflect these conditions and most are quite rare.I would recommend seeing a hair restoration specialist to optimize your treatment plan for preserving and restoring your hair. There are a number of options available to you including low level laser therapy, PRP, minoxidil, and some topical products which can reduce the effects of DHT (the principal cause of androgenetic alopecia).I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.
Helpful
October 3, 2017
Answer: Can a biopsy be wrong? The short answer is that yes, a biopsy can be wrong. The long answer is that if done properly and from the right area, and read by a good pathologist, them no, it is very likely that androgenetic alopecia is at least one of the diagnoses. Many women with androgenetic alopecia do not have a family history so please don't give that too much emphasis. See your dermatologist for follow up discussion if you still have doubts.
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October 3, 2017
Answer: Can a biopsy be wrong? The short answer is that yes, a biopsy can be wrong. The long answer is that if done properly and from the right area, and read by a good pathologist, them no, it is very likely that androgenetic alopecia is at least one of the diagnoses. Many women with androgenetic alopecia do not have a family history so please don't give that too much emphasis. See your dermatologist for follow up discussion if you still have doubts.
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