AGA
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Androgenetic alopecia |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical |
AGA has two meanings. It stands for Androgenetic alopecia (dermatology) or Appropriate for gestational age (obstetrics & gynecology).
Meanings of AGA at a glance
| # | AGA stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Androgenetic alopecia | Medical › Dermatology |
| 2 | Appropriate for gestational age | Medical › Obstetrics & Gynecology |
1. Androgenetic alopecia
Medical · Dermatology Abbreviations
The most common form of hair loss, known as male- or female-pattern hair loss, caused by genetically determined sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. Men lose hair at the temples and crown, while women typically experience diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp with a preserved frontal hairline.
Example: AGA, Norwood III vertex; start finasteride 1 mg and topical minoxidil 5 percent.
Patterns are graded with the Hamilton-Norwood scale in men and the Ludwig or Sinclair scales in women. Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are the long-standing approved treatments, and low-dose oral minoxidil is increasingly used off-label. In obstetrics and pediatrics AGA means appropriate for gestational age.
2. Appropriate for gestational age
Medical · Obstetrics & Gynecology Abbreviations
Birth weight between the 10th and 90th percentiles for gestational age, the classification for most newborns. It is recorded in newborn assessments alongside SGA and LGA.
Example: Term male, 3,420 g, AGA, Apgars 8 and 9; routine newborn care.
Growth charts such as Fenton or WHO standards are used to determine the percentile. A baby can be AGA yet still have experienced slowed growth late in pregnancy. In dermatology AGA means androgenetic alopecia.
Related abbreviations
More dermatology abbreviations
- AA – Alopecia areata
- ABCDE – Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving (melanoma warning signs)
- ACD – Allergic contact dermatitis
- AD – Atopic dermatitis
- AGEP – Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
- AK – Actinic keratosis
- BCC – Basal cell carcinoma
- BP – Bullous pemphigoid
See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →
More obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations
- AFI – Amniotic fluid index
- AMA – Advanced maternal age
- AMH – Anti-Müllerian hormone
- AROM – Artificial rupture of membranes
- ART – Assisted reproductive technology
- ASC-US – Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
- AUB – Abnormal uterine bleeding
- BCP – Birth control pill
See all 89 obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.