Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss): Diagnosis, Staging and Treatment

Short answer: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is hormone-driven and genetic, it progresses slowly, and the earlier treatment starts, the more hair you keep. Restoring lost hair is far harder than protecting existing hair.

How it looks

In men: receding temples and thinning at the crown. In women: a widening central parting with a preserved frontal hairline. The scalp is otherwise healthy; there is no scaling or scarring.

How it is diagnosed

Trichoscopy (dermoscopy of the scalp) shows hair-shaft diameter variability of more than 20 percent and an increase in single-hair follicular units. This distinguishes it from telogen effluvium and alopecia areata without a biopsy. Blood tests (ferritin, thyroid, vitamin D, and hormones in women with irregular cycles or hirsutism) rule out contributing factors.

Treatment, in order

• Topical minoxidil is the first-line treatment for both sexes; results are judged after 6 months.

• Oral finasteride for men; anti-androgen options such as spironolactone for suitable women, always with medical follow-up.

• Low-dose oral minoxidil is increasingly used under dermatologist supervision.

• PRP and mesotherapy are supportive add-ons for the right patient, never a replacement for medical treatment.

• Hair transplant is discussed only once the loss is stable and the diagnosis is certain.

Realistic expectations

The first goal is to stop the loss; gradual thickening follows over 6 to 12 months. Treatment is long-term: stopping it restarts the process.

International patients

Our practice is in Kırklareli, Türkiye, about 2 hours from Istanbul and about 45 minutes from Edirne. Consultation, trichoscopy and the first treatment are usually completed in a single visit. See our hair loss treatments page for the overall approach.

Appointments: +90 555 209 09 39 (WhatsApp) · info@drkagancingoz.com · İstasyon Mah. Edirne Cad. No:102, Kırklareli, Türkiye

Related articles

More from the hair series: Hair loss treatments · Telogen effluvium · Alopecia areata · Scarring alopecias · Scalp diseases · Trichoscopy and hair analysis · Hair PRP · Hair mesotherapy