Evaluation of Alopecia

    March 1995 in “ JAMA ”
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    TLDR The woman's hair loss is likely stress-related and should improve without treatment.
    The document describes the case of a 43-year-old woman with gradual hair thinning over 9 months, likely due to telogen effluvium, which is often triggered by stress or rapid weight loss. Although laboratory tests and a dermatologist's examination showed no abnormalities, a hair-pluck analysis was recommended to confirm the diagnosis, looking for an increase of more than 20% telogen hairs. If telogen effluvium is confirmed, the document suggests that no treatment is necessary as hair regrowth is expected, and a repeat hair-pluck analysis may be conducted later to ensure a return to a normal anagen to telogen ratio. Other causes of hair loss and diagnostic methods are mentioned but not elaborated upon, as telogen effluvium is considered the most probable cause in this instance.
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