ANALYSIS OF TRIGGER FACTORS FOR ACUTE TELOGEN HAIR LOSS IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Background. Acute telogen effluvium remains understudied in terms of a comprehensive assessment of trigger factors and laboratory markers in women of reproductive age. Despite the high prevalence of this condition, systematic data on the incidence of micronutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and their relationship with clinical manifestations of the disease are lacking in the Russian population.

Study Objective: To assess the prevalence of ferritin and vitamin D deficiency, as well as other laboratory abnormalities, in women of reproductive age with acute telogen effluvium, and to determine the relationship of these abnormalities with trigger factors and phototrichogram parameters.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study with elements of retrospective analysis was conducted at specialized clinical diagnostic centers in Moscow from September to December 2025. Women aged 18–45 years with clinical signs of acute diffuse telogen effluvium lasting 2–6 months and normal menstrual cycles were included in the study. Patients with decompensated endocrine, oncological, or autoimmune diseases, as well as pregnant and lactating women, were excluded. A clinical examination, phototrichogram to determine the proportion of telogen effluvium, and a comprehensive laboratory study assessing iron metabolism (ferritin, transferrin saturation coefficient), vitamins, trace elements, and hormonal profile (thyroid status, androgens) were performed.

Results. 60 patients were examined; the average age was 28.4 ± 4.2 years; the duration of hair loss was 3.8 ± 1.3 months. Ferritin deficiency (<30 ng/ml) was detected in 34 patients (56.7%), and vitamin D deficiency (<30 ng/ml) in 41 (68.3%). The proportion of telogen effluvium was 1составила 23,4±4,8%, in the parietal region and 19,7±3,9% in the occipital region (normal range: up to 15%). The most common trigger factors were past infections (63.3%), psychoemotional stress (56.7%), and weight changes (28.3%). A correlation was found between ferritin levels and the proportion of telogen effluvium (p = 0.041). The average Dermatological Quality of Life Index score was 8.6±4.2, indicating a moderate impact on quality of life.

Conclusion. A high prevalence of ferritin and vitamin D deficiency was found in patients with acute telogen effluvium, justifying the need for mandatory laboratory screening for these parameters. Limitations of the study include the small sample size and the lack of a control group.