Approach to the adult female patient with diffuse nonscarring alopecia
December 2002
in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
TLDR The document concludes that careful evaluation is key to diagnose and treat women with hair loss, with tests for thyroid, iron, and hormones as needed.
The document from December 2002 reviews the evaluation and management of diffuse nonscarring alopecia in adult female patients, focusing on female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), acute and chronic telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia areata, and loose anagen syndrome. It highlights the importance of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing for a definitive diagnosis and treatment options. The pathophysiology of androgenetic alopecia is discussed, noting that while androgens are involved in follicular miniaturization, most women with the condition have normal androgen levels. The authors recommend tests for thyroid function, serum ferritin, and sex hormones/androgens when symptoms indicate. Histological findings in androgenetic alopecia include follicular miniaturization and a decreased anagen-to-telogen ratio. The document is a review and does not mention the number of people in a study.
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