title: Clinical inquiries: What is the best diagnostic approach to alopecia in women?
abstract: EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER: It is unclear what the best approach is given the lack of studies on this issue. Indirect evidence and expert opinion indicate that a careful history and thorough physical examination usually suggest the underlying cause of alopecia. Ancillary laboratory evaluation and scalp biopsy are sometimes necessary to make or confirm the diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Family Medicine Residency of Idaho, Boise, ID, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rulon
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Safranek
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gauer
mesh_terms: D000505:Alopecia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity