How is androgenetic alopecia diagnosed?

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Ruqayya

History and the physical examination are the most important aspects of diagnosis in patients with androgenetic alopecia. The following laboratory tests, however, can play a role in patient assessment:

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-sulfate and testosterone analysis: In women, if virilization is evident

Iron, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation: To test for iron deficiency, if telogen effluvium is present

Thyrotropin level: If a thyroid disorder is suspected

Biopsy and histology

A biopsy is rarely necessary to make the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia. If a single biopsy specimen is obtained, it should generally be sectioned transversely if pattern alopecia is suspected.

In androgenetic alopecia, hairs are miniaturized. Although the condition is considered a noninflammatory form of hair loss, a superficial, perifollicular, inflammatory infiltrate is noted at times. A mildly increased telogen-to-anagen ratio is often observed.