Hair loss and hyperprolactinemia in women

The document from 2012 examines the connection between hyperprolactinemia and hair loss in women. It includes a study of 40 women with diffuse alopecia, where 82.5% had diffuse hair loss and 17.5% had androgenetic alopecia. Prolactin levels varied, with most below 50 ng/ml, and 15 patients with elevated levels showed reductions without medication. The study concluded that moderate elevated prolactin levels are not causative for hair loss and do not affect the pattern, extent, or duration of hair loss. It also suggests that severe hyperprolactinemia may be involved in hair loss and that persistent elevated levels could indicate a prolactin-producing tumor, warranting further diagnostics. The document also reviews literature on the topic, with few studies over 30 years exploring this connection, and outlines the methods for evaluating hair loss and hyperprolactinemia, including the pluck trichogram and serological diagnostics. It emphasizes the need for accurate classification of hair loss and consideration of hyperprolactinemia among other potential causes.