Telogen Effluvium
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 4, 2024.
What Is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition where hair sheds excessively, often triggered by a significant change or shock to the body. Normally, around 85-90% of a person's hair is in the growing phase (anagen), while the remaining hair is in the resting phase (telogen). After about two to four months in the telogen phase, the hair falls out and is replaced by new growth. On average, people lose about 100 hairs a day.
In cases of telogen effluvium, a larger percentage of hair prematurely enters the resting phase, causing an increase in hair shedding. Instead of losing 100 hairs a day, individuals with telogen effluvium might lose up to 300 hairs daily. Various factors can trigger this condition, such as:
- Major surgery or trauma.
- Significant psychological stress.
- Severe illness, including high fever or infection.
- Rapid weight loss or drastic dietary changes.
- Hormonal fluctuations, such as those related to childbirth or menopause.
- Iron deficiency or thyroid problems.
- Certain medications.
Since hair in the telogen phase takes two to four months before falling out, hair loss may not be noticeable until several months after the triggering event. While this condition can be alarming, it is generally temporary, and hair usually regrows as new hairs replace those that are shed.
Symptoms
Signs of telogen effluvium include seeing more hair than usual on your pillow, in the shower, or in your hairbrush. Your hair may appear thinner, though the hair loss is often subtle, and others may not notice the change.
Diagnosis
Telogen effluvium is typically diagnosed based on your medical history and an examination of your scalp and hair. Your doctor may perform a "hair pull test," gently tugging on a section of hair. If several hairs come out with white bulbs on the ends, indicating they were in the telogen phase, it suggests telogen effluvium. In some cases, you may be asked to collect and count the number of hairs lost over 24 hours to determine if the loss is excessive.
In rare cases, a scalp biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis, particularly if there is doubt about the cause of the hair loss. Blood tests may also be done to check for underlying conditions like thyroid issues that could contribute to hair loss.
Duration
Telogen effluvium usually starts two to four months after the triggering event and lasts for about six months. New hair growth begins immediately after shedding, though noticeable regrowth may take several months.
Prevention
While many of the physical shocks that trigger telogen effluvium cannot be prevented, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can help prevent cases linked to nutritional deficiencies. Ensuring adequate intake of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients may reduce the risk of hair loss caused by poor diet.
Treatment
There is no proven treatment for telogen effluvium while it is actively occurring. However, addressing the underlying cause, such as improving your diet or discontinuing a medication, can help the hair growth process resume. If hair growth does not return to a satisfactory level, a doctor may prescribe minoxidil (Rogaine), a topical treatment applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth in some individuals.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult a doctor if you experience excessive hair shedding or notice visible thinning patches on your scalp.
Prognosis
The outlook for telogen effluvium is generally positive. Most cases resolve within six to nine months, with hair growth returning to normal. In some instances, the condition may last longer, but most people will see a full or near-complete return of their hair over time once the underlying cause has been addressed.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.