Hair loss in women isn't always as straightforward as it is in most men.

In men about 90 percent of all cases are caused by hereditary male pattern baldness. In women however hair loss can be triggered by a multitude of conditions and circumstances.

The below battery of diagnostic tests should be performed when attempting to pinpoint the hair loss trigger. These tests can at the very least eliminate the possibility of certain disorders causing your hair loss and perhaps find the actual cause. The truth of the matter is that for many patients these test usually come back with reading within the "normal range, but it's important to remember that the proper diagnosis of female hair loss usually starts of with the process of elimination.

Diagnostic Tests

• Hormone levels (DHEAs, testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, follicular stimulating hormone, and leutinizing hormone)
• Serum iron
• Serum ferritin
• Total iron binding capacity (TIBC)
• Thyroid stimulating hormone (T3, T4, TSH)
• VDRL (a screening test for syphilis)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Scalp biopsy - A small section of scalp usually 4mm in diameter is removed and examined under a microscope to help determine the cause of hair loss.