Scalp Biopsy in Female Hair Loss

If you’re a woman experiencing hair loss, forget your hairstylist – a doctor will be your best friend. The American Academy of Dermatology says there are about 30 million women in the U. But there are many more women who are suffering from thinning hair due to menopause or health troubles. If more hairs have been collecting around your shower drain lately, you may be busy looking for effective hair loss products in the market. But you’re better off seeing a dermatologist.

There could be more than a hundred reasons behind female hair loss. Sometimes, a doctor only has to look at the patient to know what these are. Other times, it may be necessary to perform medical tests.

When determining the reasons behind female hair loss, doctors have to rule out genetic, medical or transient possibilities. So before you head out to buy the latest hair regrowth treatment, try seeing a doctor who specializes in hair loss instead, such as a dermatologist.

Scalp Biopsy Defined

A scalp biopsy can be an effective way to determine the presence of certain scalp conditions like hair follicular density, fungal infections, lupos or any other inflammatory condition, and so on. The doctor can also use this procedure to see whether the hair loss is only temporary or if it is a form of permanent hair loss.

The Procedure

When performing a scalp biopsy, the doctor will take a tiny section of your scalp, typically about 4mm in diameter, examines it through a microscope. One crucial thing a dermatologist will look for is how much hair there is in the telogen phase. There should be no more than 10 to 20 percent of hair, or it could indicate a problem. Another vital piece of the puzzle is the health and overall state of the hair follicle. If there are structural irregularities or miniaturization found in any sample, it could mean that the hair loss is due to androgenetic alopecia or any other growth cycle-related issue.

It usually takes five minutes more or less to do the procedure, whose chief purpose is to help discover what caused thefemale hair loss. The biopsy does need local anesthetic, and most patients recover rather quickly. You can probably even drive yourself home after the procedure. Usually, however, you cannot wet your hair until after 24 hours as healing comes faster when the scalp is kept dry for a while.

Looking for Answers

Losing your hair is emotionally taxing, especially if you’re a woman. Speaking to a hair specialist can help you pinpoint the best female hair loss treatment available. As with most medical cases, early diagnosis can be part of the solution itself. Needless to say, choosing the right dermatologist is equally important.

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