Serum Prolactin Levels in Adult Females with Telogen Effluvium: A Case Control Study

January 2021 in “ Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Dermatology ”

Burcu Tuğrul, Gül Aslıhan Çakır Akay

telogen effluvium serum prolactin hyperprolactinemia hyperandrogenism hair loss

TLDR Women with a certain type of hair loss had lower levels of a hormone called prolactin compared to healthy women.

In a 2021 retrospective study involving 47 adult female patients with telogen effluvium (a type of hair loss) and 42 healthy female controls, it was found that the median serum prolactin level in patients was 10.47 ng/mL, significantly lower than in the control group. There was no significant difference in prolactin levels between patients with acute and chronic telogen effluvium. This contradicted most studies that link high prolactin levels with hair loss. The lack of patients with hyperprolactinemia and hyperandrogenism in this study might explain these contrasting results. The study suggested considering the dose and gender-dependent effects of prolactin in hair loss.

View this study on turkiyeklinikleri.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 404 results

community HLT Megathread on HMI-115 (key takeaways in comments)

in Research/Science 40 upvotes 1 year ago

HMI-115, a newly discovered hair loss treatment that could potentially be effective for those with diffuse thinning and telogen effluvium. It is based on prolactin receptor antagonist signaling and has already undergone Phase I trials in women, with potential commercialization by 2027.

community fin 0.5 mg everday 6 months update

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 28 upvotes 1 year ago

The post discusses the experiences of individuals with diffuse hair thinning using finasteride, with many reporting no improvement or worsening conditions after 6 months. Various suggestions include persisting with the treatment, checking for underlying conditions, adding minoxidil for volume, adjusting dosage, and considering other potential causes like autoimmune responses and inflammation.

community C’est terrible - at my wits end

in Female 443 upvotes 1 year ago

A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

community Diagnosed with female pattern hair loss as a male with recent aggressive loss. Preemptively mourning the only part of myself I’ve ever come close to loving. Lost all motivation to do anything with my life.

in Progress Pictures 271 upvotes 1 year ago

The conclusion of the conversation is that the user should consider using treatments such as finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841 to potentially reverse their hair loss. Other suggestions include using hair loss concealers and maintaining a healthy diet.

community Finasteride doesn't work for me in 2 years and my bloodtest result just came in.

in Progress Pictures 88 upvotes 1 year ago

A user has been treating hair loss with finasteride for two years without success and is experiencing an itchy scalp with seborrhea. Despite low DHT levels, they are still losing hair, suggesting that DHT might not be the main cause of their hair loss, and they are considering other treatments or causes.

community I’ve been on dutesteride and oral minoxidil for two years now and I’ve only lost ground…

in Treatment 42 upvotes 9 months ago

A user on dutasteride and oral minoxidil for two years reports worsening hair loss and is seeking advice. Suggestions include consulting a professional for underlying causes, acknowledging that treatments don't work for everyone, and considering dosage adjustments or additional treatments.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Telogen Effluvium: A Review of Acute and Chronic Forms

67 citations, January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Chronic Telogen Effluvium may resolve after years and is diagnosed by examining the patient's history and clinical signs, with treatment aimed at underlying causes and possibly minoxidil.

research Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles

102 citations, July 2020 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

Hormones like testosterone and estrogen significantly affect hair growth and structure.

research Molecular Genetic and Endocrine Mechanisms of Hair Growth

51 citations, January 2003 in “Hormone Research in Paediatrics”

Hormones and their receptors, especially androgens, play a key role in hair growth and disorders like baldness.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

23 citations, January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

FPHL causes hair loss in women due to genetics and hormones; minoxidil and anti-androgens are treatments, and early intervention is advised.

research Alopecia: Managing the Basics

July 2015 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks”

The document concludes that treatments for female hair loss and excess body hair are available, but managing expectations is important.