Do You Need to See a Doctor? AGA Self-Check and Diagnostic Criteria

Do You Need to See a Doctor? AGA Self-Check and Diagnostic Criteria

Do You Need to See a Doctor? AGA Self-Check and Diagnostic Criteria

Hair loss is one of the most common—and most distressing—cosmetic concerns affecting both men and women. In many cases, it goes untreated due to stigma, misinformation, or the mistaken belief that nothing can be done. However, hair loss is often a medical condition, not just a cosmetic issue. The most common cause? Androgenic Alopecia (AGA)—also known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness.

What is Androgenic Alopecia (AGA)?

Androgenic Alopecia is a genetically driven form of hair loss triggered by the effects of androgens (male hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone—DHT) on hair follicles. While most people associate it with balding men, it’s also extremely common in women, though it presents differently.

In Men:

  • Receding hairline (usually M-shaped)
  • Thinning at the crown
  • Progression to partial or complete baldness

In Women:

  • Widening part line
  • Diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp
  • Rarely leads to complete baldness

AGA typically progresses slowly, which is why early detection is critical for preserving hair and restoring confidence.

AGA Self-Check: Do You Need to See a Doctor?

Wondering if your hair loss is normal or if it's time to consult a medical professional? Use this simple AGA self-check:

  1. Pattern of Hair Loss
    Is your hairline receding or thinning in a distinct pattern?
    Are you noticing more scalp visibility at the crown or along the part?
  2. Family History
    Do close relatives have pattern hair loss?
  3. Hair Shedding
    Are you losing more than 100 hairs per day?
    Do you find clumps of hair on your pillow, comb, or shower drain?
  4. Duration
    Has this hair loss persisted for more than 3 months?
  5. Other Signs
    Are you experiencing oily skin or acne (suggestive of increased androgens)?
    Do you have irregular periods or signs of PCOS (in women)?

If you answered "yes" to two or more, it may be time to talk to a doctor.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

While AGA is common, there are situations that may require more urgent attention:

  • Sudden or patchy hair loss (could indicate alopecia areata or other disorders)
  • Scalp inflammation, redness, or itching
  • Hair loss with systemic symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or hormonal issues

How Doctors Diagnose Androgenic Alopecia

1. Medical and Family History

  • Onset, pattern, duration, and triggers
  • Family history of hair loss or hormonal conditions

2. Scalp and Hair Examination

  • Visual and dermatoscopic evaluation to assess follicle miniaturization
  • Identification of characteristic patterns

3. Blood Tests (if necessary)

  • Thyroid profile (TSH)
  • Iron studies (Ferritin, CBC)
  • Androgen levels (Testosterone, DHEAS) — especially in women
  • PCOS screening

4. Diagnostic Scales Used

  • Hamilton-Norwood Scale (for men): Stages I to VII of hair loss progression
  • Ludwig Scale (for women): Grades I to III for diffuse thinning
  • Sinclair Scale: Another useful grading system for women’s hair
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