Hair Loss in Women: Diagnosis and Tests
How will a doctor diagnose hair loss in women?
Contact a doctor if you are concerned about hair loss. A dermatologist can help you diagnose or treat hair loss. The doctor will take a medical history, which will include asking about things like:
- What medications and/or supplements you take
- What type of food you eat (protein is important for hair growth)
- What might be going on in your life in terms of stressful situations
- Which family members might have had hair loss
- What kind of hair styles you tend to have and what hair care products and processes you have used
- Whether or not you have a habit of pulling your hair out (trichotillomania)
After reviewing this information, the doctor might do or order certain tests, including:
- Gentle hair pulling to determine how many hairs come out
- Blood tests to test for vitamin and mineral levels (like vitamin D, vitamin B, zinc, and iron), and hormone levels (including thyroid and sex hormones)
- Scalp examination under a microscope
- Scalp biopsy to remove and examine a very small piece of tissue
