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A simple explanation of whether to choose an Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic or a dermatologist for thinning hair symptoms

自分の薄毛症状はAGA専門クリニックと皮膚科どちら?すぐわかる比較一覧表

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Do you ever wonder which hospital you should visit to treat your thinning hair symptoms?

With the recent increase in the number of “cosmetic dermatologists” who also claim to treat thinning hair, many people are increasingly troubled by the choice.

I myself currently specialize in Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment and have previously gained experience as a hair transplant specialist in plastic surgery.

However, I would not recommend treatment at Male pattern boldness (AGA) doctors at all costs.

To help people suffering from thinning hair quickly find the best treatment, we will explain the differences between dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and clinics specializing in thinning hair, and how to choose the right clinic to see for thinning hair symptoms in an easy-to-understand manner.

Anyway, the worst choice for thinning hair is to take no measures and to rely on amateur treatments that you just researched on the Internet.

First, see a doctor to determine the cause.

The causes and preventive measures for thinning hair caused by Male pattern boldness (AGA) are summarized in the following article.

3 types of hospitals that can provide Hair loss treatment

薄毛治療を行える病院は3種類

These days, the following medical institutions mainly provide treatment for Male pattern boldness (AGA) and other forms of hair loss in general.

  • Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinic
  • General Dermatology
  • Cosmetic dermatology

Strictly speaking, some cases are in the realm of obstetrics and gynecology or internal medicine, depending on the cause of the thinning hair. However, it is important to first determine the cause of thinning or hair loss by seeing one of the above medical institutions.

Depending on the cause of your hair loss, you will know what department to go to for treatment or the extent to which you can treat it yourself.

Choosing the right department is important so that you will not regret your Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment.

Quick comparison chart of the differences between Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinics, dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology

First, please see the list below, which summarizes the differences among Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinics, general dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology (including cosmetic surgery) in the treatment of Male pattern boldness (AGA).

  Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinics General dermatology Cosmetic dermatology
Male pattern boldness (AGA)
Severe Male pattern boldness (AGA)

X X
Treatment for Male pattern boldness (AGA) Wide Medication only Medication
Cost of Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment

Charge for medicine

Charge for medicine

Charge for medicine
Cosmetic add-on therapy
Generic drug Numerous

Few

Few
Diffuse alopecia in women
Postpartum hair loss and other women-specific symptoms
Alopecia areata
Stress hair loss
Deterioration of scalp environment
Drug side effects
Treatment objectives Hair growth Maintenance of the status quo Maintenance of the status quo
Beauty
Thinning hair symptoms that can be addressed

Thinning hair in general

Skin cause

Skin cause

Free counseling Numerous Few  Numerous
Initial medical examination
  • Interview
    Visual examination
    Blood test
  • Microscopes
Interview
Visual examination
Interview
Visual examination
High-cost additional treatment

Very little

Beauty care

Number of hospitals Few Numerous Few

Thinning hair symptoms that can be treated by Dermatologists are “Skin” causes

皮膚科で治療できる薄毛症状は「肌」原因

Basically, hair loss caused by skin problems can be treated by general dermatologists.

For example, there is seborrheic dermatitis, a dermatitis that tends to occur in areas that secrete a lot of sebum.

Hair loss can also be caused by a lack of sebum due to the use of strong soaps or shampoos, or by a deterioration of the scalp environment due to dryness.

In the case of skin causes, treatment by a dermatologist is the best option.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment in dermatology is only mildly responsive medication

皮膚科のAGA治療は軽度対応の投薬治療のみ

Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment at a general dermatologist is most often only basic treatment.

Nevertheless, Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment at a general dermatology clinic is a good option if you are one of the following;

  • Mild symptoms of hair thinning yet
  • All you need is a prescription for Propecia.

It is more important to start treatment as soon as possible.

Specifically, medication treatment with Propecia is commonly used.

There are still not many dermatological clinics that use Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications such as Zagallo, Minoxidil, etc., which are commonly used in modern AGA clinics.

In addition, only a minority of general dermatology offices offer generic drugs (generic drugs), which are less expensive and have the same effect. (Although there are more than before.)

For more information on the types and cost of Male pattern boldness (AGA) generic drugs, please refer to the following article.

Dermatologists cannot perform blood and genetic testing

皮膚科では血液検査・遺伝子検査を行えない

Many dermatologists often prescribe Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications after only a medical interview and visual examination.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics also offer blood tests and genetic testing.

Some general dermatology clinics can provide blood tests for Male pattern boldness (AGA) these days, but few dermatology clinics offer genetic testing.

In fact, Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications such as Propecia, Zagallo, and Minoxidil are not available for all people.

The risk of side effects increases depending on allergies, constitution, and pre-existing medical conditions.

In addition, if your liver function is impaired, the medication cannot be prescribed.

Blood tests can help us understand your constitution and liver condition so that you can receive a safer treatment.

In addition, genetic testing can be performed to determine the genes involved in Male pattern boldness (AGA), which can help determine directly whether or not you have Male pattern boldness (AGA).

In addition, the genes can be used to determine how well Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications work.The benefits and cost price of Male pattern boldness (AGA) genetic testing are explained in more detail in the following article.

Cosmetic dermatology is mainly Medication + Cosmetic

美容皮膚科は投薬治療+美容がメイン

Cosmetic dermatology can basically treat hair loss caused by skin problems.

Most cosmetic dermatologists, like general dermatologists, provide only medication for Male pattern boldness (AGA).

As the name suggests, cosmetic dermatology offers treatments for cosmetic purposes, such as the removal of spots, freckles, wrinkles, and so on.

Compared to general dermatology, more cosmetic dermatology hospitals seem to offer generic drugs.

How to choose a Hospital by symptoms and causes of thinning hair

薄毛の症状・原因別病院選び方

Below is an explanation of which hospital to see for each symptom and cause of thinning hair.

  • For Male pattern boldness (AGA), go to an AGA clinic
  • For diffuse alopecia in women, go to Male pattern boldness (AGA)
  • For thinning hair specific to women, go to an Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic or OB/GYN
  • For alopecia areata, go to Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic or dermatology
  • Stress-induced hair loss: go to a psychosomatic medicine and dermatology department
  • Deterioration of scalp environment, go to Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic or dermatology
  • Hair loss due to drug side effects: internal medicine and dermatology

Visit a hospital as soon as possible to determine the cause.

For Male pattern boldness (AGA), go to an AGA clinic

Male pattern boldness (AGA) is a male hormone-caused alopecia and refers to progressive thinning and hair loss symptoms. Male pattern boldness (AGA) is suspected in the following cases

If any of the above applies to you, you should seek appropriate treatment at a specialized Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic.

Unlike thinning hair that progresses with age, adult males of any age can develop Male pattern boldness (AGA).

Some people experience rapid thinning of hair as early as in their 20s.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) is a progressive form of alopecia; once it develops, Male pattern boldness (AGA) is not expected to resolve spontaneously.

For more information on the process and causes of Male pattern boldness (AGA), see the following articles

For diffuse alopecia in women, go to Male pattern boldness (AGA)

Women also produce male hormones, albeit in smaller amounts. This is why women can also develop Male pattern boldness (AGA), which is called FAGA.

The younger the age of onset, the faster the progression of Male pattern boldness (AGA) occurs. If you think you may have Male pattern boldness (AGA), please visit a clinic specializing in Male pattern boldness (AGA) as soon as possible.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) is the cause of diffuse alopecia that often appears in women.

In diffuse alopecia, individual hair strands become thinner and the overall volume is reduced.

If you see the early symptoms of diffuse alopecia, we recommend that you first visit a clinic specializing in Male pattern boldness (AGA).

Although a decrease in female hormones due to aging and other factors is considered the primary cause, multiple other factors are also said to be involved in the case of women.

Women who are relatively less prone to hair thinning tend to believe that their hair loss is merely temporary and delay seeing a doctor.

In any case, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

For more information on diffuse alopecia, please refer to the following article.

For thinning hair specific to women, go to an Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic or OB/GYN

Women may experience increased hair loss after childbirth. This is due to changes in hormonal balance during pregnancy.

Basically, there is nothing to worry about as it will settle down in about six months.

If it continues for too long, or if you want to improve the abnormally large amount of hair loss, you can consult an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Treatment of hair loss at an obstetrician/gynecologist includes the administration of hormonal medications based on blood tests.

The following article details the causes and remedies for postpartum hair loss symptoms in women.

Recently, alopecia areata in women has been increasing.

The following article explains in detail the causes of alopecia areata in women.

 

For alopecia areata, go to Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic or dermatology

Alopecia areata is a circular or oval-shaped area of hair loss on the head.

If you see early symptoms, we recommend that you first see a Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic or a dermatologist.

It used to be believed that stress was the cause. Recently, however, the theory that alopecia is caused by an abnormality in the autoimmune function is gaining ground.

It is also known as “10-yen baldness” because it is generally thought to be the size of a 10-yen coin.

Some alopecia areata are the size of a 10-yen coin, while others are severe, with hair loss spreading over the entire head and all body hair falling out.

Alopecia areata does not generally mean hair loss the size of a 10-yen coin.

Alopecia areata is a form of alopecia areata whose pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. The following article explains in detail the process of onset and prevention of alopecia areata.

Stress-induced hair loss: go to a psychosomatic medicine and dermatology department

Stress can lead to hormonal imbalance and blood flow deterioration, which can cause hair loss.

If you notice abnormalities such as large amounts of dandruff or swelling of the scalp, see a psychosomatic physician as soon as possible.

Some people develop a hair loss habit (trichotillomania) due to mental stress and pull out their own hair.

Trichotillomania is an alopecia that requires psychological care.

If the cause of hair loss is stress, it is important to find and reduce the source of stress.

Psychosomatic medicine improves stress through counseling and medication.

In parallel with the underlying treatment in psychosomatic medicine, you will also want to provide symptomatic treatment for hair loss.

A negative cycle must be avoided where stress causes hair loss and hair loss becomes a source of further stress. There are multiple types of stress-induced hair loss.

If it is accompanied by excessive dandruff, sebum production, or skin diseases, it is recommended to be treated by a dermatologist.

For skin diseases such as psoriasis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis, treatment with specialized medications is essential.

Deterioration of scalp environment, go to Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic or dermatology

Pityriasis alba and seborrheic dermatitis may develop due to a deteriorated scalp environment.

See a dermatologist if you have problems such as profuse dandruff, itching, or swelling of the scalp.

The scalp is part of the skin. It is advisable to see a dermatologist, a specialist in skin diseases, to correct the symptoms.

Pityriasis alba is a condition in which the pores are blocked by dandruff and the hair follicles fail to develop normal hair growth activity, resulting in hair loss.

It may be accompanied by inflammation and itching.

The cause of seborrheic alopecia is the excessive secretion of sebum on the scalp, which blocks the pores.

Alopecia is most likely to occur when hair styling products get on the scalp or when too much sebum is removed by using strong detergent shampoos.

Hair loss due to drug side effects: internal medicine and dermatology

Drug-induced alopecia may be a side effect of anticancer drug therapy or topical steroids. In such cases, please consult an internist or dermatologist.

Symptoms are total or partial hair loss.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) drugs also carry the risk of side effects.

The risks of major side effects and how to treat them while minimizing the risks are explained in this article.

Why should I see a specialist clinic if I have Male pattern boldness (AGA)?

If you suspect Male pattern boldness (AGA) in your symptoms, we recommend that you first visit a clinic specializing in AGA treatment.

So why should you visit a clinic specializing in Male pattern boldness (AGA)?

  1. Many types of drugs used
  2. A wide variety of highly specialized treatments
  3. Doctor is familiar with Male pattern boldness (AGA)
  4. Can both grow and regrow hair.
  5. Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is not covered by insurance either way.

Many types of drugs used

Compared to general dermatology, Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics use a wider variety of drugs, and in addition to Propecia, Zagarlo and Minoxidil are often used.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics can also provide more in-depth treatment, such as prescribing therapeutic drugs used overseas.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics can also offer unique treatment methods that combine oral medications with topical medications.

A wide variety of highly specialized treatments

At a specialized Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic, the doctor will suggest the following advanced Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatments that are appropriate for the patient.

  • Hair growth mesotherapy
  • HARG therapy
  • Hair transplantation

Mesotherapy/HARG therapy is a treatment in which hair regrowth ingredients are injected directly into the scalp.

Hair transplantation is a procedure in which hair from one’s own hair (mainly from the back of the head) is transplanted into the thinning area. It offers a wider range of treatment options for people who cannot take oral medications due to side effects or other reasons, as well as for those with severe Male pattern boldness (AGA) symptoms. The hair transplantation procedure and its advantages and disadvantages are explained in detail in the following article.

Doctor is familiar with Male pattern boldness (AGA)

Doctors at Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics specialize in the treatment of Male pattern boldness (AGA) and have extensive experience.

A doctor who specializes in Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment will be able to explain to you not only the benefits of the therapeutic drug, but also the possible disadvantages and other risks.

Doctors who diagnose at general dermatology offices are not necessarily knowledgeable about Male pattern boldness (AGA).

Many doctors have extensive knowledge of skin, but are not specialists when it comes to Male pattern boldness (AGA).

Both dermatologists and Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics may prescribe the same treatments.

Yet, the follow-up and support will differ.

For example, a doctor specializing in Male pattern boldness (AGA) is more experienced and knowledgeable in checking detailed symptoms and dealing with side effects until the medication starts to work.

Keep in mind that with a general or cosmetic dermatologist, you may “hit” a doctor who is not familiar with Male pattern boldness (AGA).

Can both grow and regrow hair.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics can not only regrow hair, but also grow hair to empower the hair that is already growing.

Both hair growth and hair regrowth can be effective in parallel.

In fact, hair growth care may be more effective for Male pattern boldness (AGA) hair loss.

This is because hair loss due to Male pattern boldness (AGA) is often concurrent with hair loss due to lifestyle, stress, and incorrect hair care.

Appropriate advice and low-stress hair growth care received at a hair growth salon may help halt the progression of Male pattern boldness (AGA).

Form a lifestyle habit that is less prone to thinning hair by receiving guidance on how to create an environment that facilitates hair growth, which you can do at home.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is not covered by insurance either way.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is an unrestricted medical treatment and, as a rule, is not covered by insurance. All medical examinations, as well as tests and medications, are to be paid for by the patient.

Many people mistakenly believe that if they receive Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment at a general dermatology clinic instead of an AGA treatment clinic, it will be covered by insurance.

There is no difference in whether the same treatment is covered by insurance or not, depending on the hospital.

Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is fully paid for by the patient.

If insurance does not cover the cost either way, it is better to receive more effective treatment at a more specialized Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic.

However, some non- Male pattern boldness (AGA) thinning hair treatments may be covered by insurance.

Points to consider when choosing a Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic

AGA専門クリニック選びのポイント

The key points for selecting a clinic specializing in Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment are as follows;

  • Free counseling is available
  • Presenting a variety of thinning hair treatment cases
  • Convenient location or online medical care
  • Clear price quotes

Details on how to choose a Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinic and points to check before seeing a doctor are explained in detail in the following article.

Conclusion: Diagnosis as soon as possible anyway

Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics are still few in number compared to dermatology clinics, and most are located only in major cities.

Ease of access to clinics is an important factor, especially when it comes to Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment, which is a long-term process.

However, many Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinics nowadays offer online services.

If you are online, you do not have to worry about distance and time to the hospital.

It is also suitable for people who are too busy with work to go to the clinic regularly and who do not want others to know that they are undergoing hair loss treatment.

Hair loss treatment is a race against time.

If the treatment is done early, safe treatment methods using drugs have been established, and symptoms can be improved at low cost and in a short period of time.
Please check your scalp and hair condition in the medical period as soon as possible and start treatment if necessary.

The following article explains why Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is not effective and why you may want to stop Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment.

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