Telogen effluvium is a form of non-scarring diffuse hair loss. It is characterised by premature entrance of a large number of hairs into telogen phase at one time. In recent years, many growth factors participate in the hair follicle cycle regulation and promote hair growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the growth factors stimulating angiogenesis and its disturbance may lead to telogen effluvium. Evaluation of serum levels of VEGF in female patients with telogen effluvium.Serum VEGF concentrations were measured in 40 consecutive women with telogen effluvium aged between 18 and 65 years in comparison with 40 women without hair loss using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum levels of VEGF were found to be lower in female patients than in healthy controls.Decreased serum levels of VEGF in female patients than in controls probably reflect the role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of telogen effluvium.