Hair loss is a frequent phenomenon which may cause psychological problems in some patients. Androgenetic alopecia occupies a special position and belongs to the group of telogen hair loss. There have been demonstrated hormonal abnormalities in androgenetic alopecia. Clinically it is similar to other types of diffuse alopecias (alopecia in hypo- or hyperthyreoidism, alopecia following parturition, postfebrile alopecia, etc.). In females suffering from diffuse alopecia and with signs of virilization it is necessary to investigate a potential hyperandrogenic syndrome (diseases of adrenals or ovaria). In females it is recommended to test for DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) sulfate which is exclusively of adrenal origin, and for testosterone (adrenals, ovaria). In both genders it is recommended to examine thyroxin and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels, blood count, zinc, and ferritin. Iron deficiency is a frequent and reversible cause of a telogenic effluvium. Itmayaccompany androgenetic alopecia. The blood ferritin level reveals the iron capacity in cells, including follicular cells, more precisely than the plasma iron value. In the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males, finasterid and minoxidil are recommended (by the FDA), in females antiandrogens (cytoproteron acetate), estrogens (ethinylestradiol) and minoxidil. Locally applied retinoids (tretinoin) increase the effects of minoxidil. The trichometric programwith the aid of MicroDermHair analysis determines the ratio of anagenic and telogenic hair. Within the framework of the program there are in play data-base and archiving functions (50). The method replaces the classical trichogram.

        Key words: androgenetic alopecia - hyperandrogenic syndrome - examination - treatment