Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Hair loss

Male-pattern baldness is usually easy to identify because of the pattern it follows. It usually begins with a receding hairline in the late twenties or thirties, but can start earlier. At first, you may notice that your hair is starting to get thinner.

Female-pattern baldness usually becomes noticeable after the menopause; the hair on top tends to thin first.

If your hair loss does not follow the typical pattern as above you should see your GP to find out what is causing it. It could be linked to an illness such as anaemia or a fungal scalp infection. Your GP may refer you for more tests or suggest that you see a dermatologist.

With alopecia areata, there are no obvious symptoms other than patches of baldness, so your partner or hairdresser may notice it before you do.

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