Pattern hair loss: Pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management

The document discussed androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss in both men and women, which was influenced by genetic and endocrine factors. AGA involved the gradual transformation of thick, pigmented scalp hair into fine, colorless vellus-like hair, resulting in patterned, nonscarring hair loss with preserved follicular ostia. Diagnosis in men typically did not require laboratory work unless diffuse hair loss was present. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) also presented as non-scarring alopecia with preserved follicular ostia. Scalp prostheses were recommended for those not suitable for hair restoration surgery or those with extensive hair loss not improved by medical therapy.