Diffuse Hair Loss: Its Triggers and Management

    June 2009 in “ Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine ”
    Shannon Harrison, Wilma F. Bergfeld
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    TLDR To manage diffuse hair loss, identify the cause, improve nutrition, remove triggers, and use specific treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.
    The document reviews the diagnosis and management of diffuse hair loss, particularly telogen effluvium, which is characterized by increased shedding of telogen-phase hairs usually 2 to 3 months after a triggering event such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, or medical conditions. It highlights the importance of a thorough patient history and examination, including a hair-pull test and scalp examination, to identify the cause of hair loss. Laboratory tests and possibly a scalp biopsy may be needed to find triggers or rule out other conditions. Management strategies include patient education, removing triggers, ensuring proper nutrition, and treating any underlying scalp inflammation. For chronic cases, treatments like biotin, zinc, and topical minoxidil are recommended, and for androgenetic alopecia, topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for men, and topical minoxidil and spironolactone for women are suggested. Anagen hair loss management focuses on the underlying cause. The document is a review article and does not include a study population.
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      community Been diagnosed with telogen effluvium and MPB

      in Chat  3 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      A 21-year-old male diagnosed with telogen effluvium and male pattern baldness started oral finasteride, which initially slowed hair loss and slightly thickened hair, but experienced increased shedding after surgery. The doctor recommended iron and vitamin D supplements, and the user is seeking additional advice.

      community Here's why you don't assume you have TE, because you likely don't

      in Chat  48 upvotes 1 year ago
      TE (telogen effluvium) is often misunderstood and is triggered by severe stress or trauma, not minor daily inconveniences. Most hair loss cases are due to male pattern baldness (AGA), and treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride can help.

      community Finasteride two years results from horrible shed

      in Progress Pictures 3 years ago
      This user experienced severe hair loss, but was able to successfully treat it with finasteride over a two year period. Despite experiencing multiple shedding cycles while on the medication, Mission5896 reported that their hair continued to get thicker and stronger. Additionally, they tried both minoxidil orally and topically, but only found success with finasteride.

      community 31M - major hair shedding after weight loss + stopping vitamins — help!

      in Minoxidil  4 upvotes 4 months ago
      A 31-year-old male experienced hair shedding after rapid weight loss and stopping vitamins, despite using minoxidil and other supplements. He is considering Saw Palmetto and Pumpkin Seed Oil instead of finasteride due to trying for kids, and is concerned about high ferritin and DHEAS levels.

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