Male-pattern baldness is usually easy to identify because of the pattern it follows. It usually begins with a receding hairline in the late twenties or thirties, although it can start earlier. At first, you may notice that your hair is starting to get thinner, particularly over the crown.
Female-pattern baldness usually becomes noticeable after the menopause (when a woman’s periods stop at around 52 years of age). The hair on top tends to thin first.
See your GP
If your hair loss does not follow the typical pattern as described above, see your GP to find out what is causing it. It could be linked to an illness, such as anaemia or a fungal scalp infection. Your GP may ask you:
- when you first noticed your hair loss
- whether there is a family history of alopecia areata
- whether you have any other conditions, such as diabetes – a condition that is caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood
- whether you have been ill recently
- whether you have been stressed recently
- about any medication that you are currently taking
Your GP will examine the bald patches and may refer you for more tests or suggest that you see a dermatologist (an expert in skin conditions).
With alopecia areata, there are no obvious symptoms other than patches of baldness, so your partner or hairdresser may notice them before you do.
