Diffuse Hair Loss and Accompanying Findings in Female Patients
December 2009
in “
DergiPark (Istanbul University)
”
Studysummary This study found that low levels of ferritin and iron were common among women with diffuse hair loss, suggesting these tests could be useful in evaluating such patients.
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The study investigated 100 women with diffuse hair loss, excluding those with alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia, and found deficiencies in copper (4%), zinc (9%), ferritin (36%), and iron (22%). Anemia due to iron deficiency was present in 10% of patients. Additionally, 18 patients had thyroid function disorders, 15 had psychiatric disorders, and 5 had Helicobacter pylori (+) gastritis. The study concluded that routine testing for copper, zinc, and thyroid function was unnecessary unless clinically indicated, but recommended checking serum ferritin levels and total blood count. It also emphasized the importance of considering systemic diseases and conducting thorough patient histories and physical examinations.
