TLDR Patient history is key in diagnosing hair loss types.
The document discussed the diagnostic process for patients experiencing hair loss, focusing on differentiating between increased hair shedding, such as diffuse alopecia areata (AA) and telogen effluvium (TE), and progressive hair thinning, like androgenetic alopecia. Dermatologists relied heavily on patient history, including hormonal status, medication use, recent illnesses, surgeries, traumatic experiences, family history, and hair styling practices, to categorize the type of hair loss. While history and examination were crucial in diagnosing most cases, histological examination provided only moderate value.
16 citations
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June 2008 in “Springer eBooks” Over 50% of women over 50 experience hair loss, with minoxidil being the only proven effective treatment.
May 2025 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology” New treatments are needed for non-scarring alopecia due to current limitations.
48 citations
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February 2014 in “Fertility and Sterility” Women with PCOS often have hair loss, which is linked to acne or excess body hair but not to worse hormone or metabolic issues.
September 2017 in “Majallah-i taḥqīqāt-i ̒ulūm-i pizishkī-i Zāhidān” Androgenetic alopecia is a long-term, immune-related disorder that starts during puberty due to androgen secretion, and it might be improved with iron tablets, platelet transfusion, and anti-inflammation therapy.
42 citations
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March 2008 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Hormones and neuroendocrine factors control hair growth and color, and more research could lead to new hair treatment options.
68 citations
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May 2012 in “Annals of Oncology” Some breast cancer chemotherapy can cause permanent hair loss.
