Many people suffer from thinning hair or hair loss, and there are a wide variety of causes and treatments. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which is particularly common in men, is affected by genetics and hormones, so early treatment is important. However, alopecia is not limited to AGA, but there are many other types such as alopecia areata and diffuse alopecia. Each type of hair loss has different causes and symptoms, and appropriate treatment is required accordingly.
Regarding diseases other than AGA
Before starting AGA treatment, it is important to rule out other causes of hair loss. Other hair loss diseases that are often confused with AGA are:
1. Alopecia Areata
Characteristics: Sudden onset, localized hair loss.
Points to tell: The hair loss area is circular or oval.
2. Telogen effluvium
Characteristics: Temporary hair loss, usually occurs after stress or illness.
What to look for: Hair loss spreads evenly.
3. Scarring alopecia
Characteristics: Inflammation and infection cause scarring of the scalp and permanent destruction of hair roots.
Points to tell: Hardening and discoloration can be seen.
4. Drug-induced alopecia
Characteristics: Hair loss occurs as a side effect of some drugs (anticancer drugs, antidepressants, etc.).
Points to know: Relationship between drug use history and hair loss.
5. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Characteristics: This is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss along with systemic symptoms.
Distinguishing points: Association with other systemic symptoms (arthralgia, rash, etc.).
6. Thyroid dysfunction
Characteristics: Hair loss associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Points to tell: Diagnosis by thyroid function test.
7. Nutrient deficiencies
Characteristics: Hair loss occurs due to deficiency of iron, zinc, vitamin D, etc.
Points to tell: Check your nutritional status with a blood test.
8. Fungal infections
Characteristics: Hair loss due to scalp ringworm (ringworm), etc.
Points to distinguish: Diagnosis by fungal culture and microscopic examination.
What is androgenetic alopecia/AGA?
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a type of hair loss commonly seen in adult men. It is characterized by hair falling out or receding on the forehead and top of the head, and the hair in the bald areas becomes downy hair (vellus hair) and eventually disappears. A normal hair cycle has three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen, but in AGA, this cycle is disrupted, causing thick, long hair to grow and falling out as downy hair. It used to be more common in people in their 30s, but recently it has become more common in people in their teens. AGA progresses slowly in the early stages, but then it progresses rapidly and once the hair roots weaken, it becomes difficult to recover, so early measures are important.
Importance of AGA treatment
If you do not have any of these diseases, you may have AGA (androgenetic alopecia). It is important to start appropriate treatment for AGA early. Starting treatment will slow the progression, protect the hair roots, and prevent hair loss from progressing. This will help you maintain your mental health and maintain your confidence. In addition, early treatment may allow for more effective treatment options and lower treatment costs. It is important to receive a diagnosis from a specialist and choose the appropriate treatment.
About Hiro Clinic
Hiro Clinic provides specialized treatment for AGA. We provide treatment plans tailored to each patient to effectively improve hair loss.
At Hiro Clinic, we have various types of medical care within the hospital, including “dermatology/plastic surgery”, “cosmetic dermatology/cosmetic surgery”, “internal medicine/health checkup”, “psychosomatic medicine”, and “NIPT (new type of prenatal diagnosis)”. We will immediately respond to the concerns of not only AGA but also everyone who visits our clinic.
We have also introduced an “Internet Reservation System” so that busy people can make reservations via the Internet, and we have also introduced a system that allows you to feel free to visit our clinic in your free time, so please take advantage of it. .
