How to Stop Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a form of alopecia triggered by a sudden stimulus, leading to rapid and widespread shedding. Although this condition can be alarming, it is often temporary and manageable with the right approach. In this article, we’ll explore its causes, symptoms, duration, and the best treatments to promote hair regrowth.
Summary
- What Is Telogen Effluvium
- How Long Does Telogen Effluvium Last?
- Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium
- What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
- Does Hair Grow Back After Telogen Effluvium?
- How to Treat Telogen Effluvium
- Conclusion
What Is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium refers to sudden, diffuse hair loss. Unlike androgenetic alopecia, it occurs across the entire scalp rather than in specific areas. It happens when hair prematurely enters the resting (telogen) phase of its growth cycle in response to a trigger.
This condition is more common in women than men and is sometimes referred to as diffuse alopecia.
How Long Does Telogen Effluvium Last?
Telogen effluvium typically lasts between two and four months. If the condition persists beyond six months, it may indicate an underlying issue, such as a thyroid imbalance or nutritional deficiency, requiring medical evaluation through tests like TSH (thyroid function), complete blood count (CBC), and ferritin levels.
In some cases, telogen effluvium may be seasonal, occurring during spring or autumn. While hair growth usually resumes naturally, prolonged triggers such as poor nutrition or chronic stress can lead to ongoing or recurrent hair loss. Iron deficiency, in particular, can contribute to hair loss.
The more time passes, the thinner and more fragile the hair becomes. The hair cycle becomes much shorter, leading to a considerable and premature reduction in the patient’s production of hair.
Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium
With telogen effluvium, the normal hair cycle is disrupted, causing the follicle to prematurely end its regrowth phase (anagen). This means that the follicle reaches the telogen phase too soon, resulting in noticeable diffuse hair loss.
As the loss is diffuse, it can occur anywhere in the scalp, typically not resulting in bald patches. Someone affected by telogen effluvium can lose as many as 100-1,000 hairs a day, creating an overall thinner appearance of the hair.
In addition to hair loss, the hair itself becomes thinner and weaker. Unlike other forms of alopecia, the scalp shows no signs of redness, inflammation or scarring. In acute cases, clumps of hair may fall out. While the condition can be distressing, it can fortunately be reversed with proper treatment. Hair often regrows within three to six months.
What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium often develops two to four months after a triggering event, which can include:
- Psychological Stress: Emotional trauma, such as bereavement, a breakup, or surgery, can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels, which may further contribute to hair loss.
- Medical Conditions and Treatments: Surgical procedures involving general anaesthesia can put stress on the body, causing diffuse alopecia. Severe infections or inflammatory illnesses (e.g., lupus) can have a similar effect, as can the side effects of certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, depression, or contraception.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin D, zinc, or iron can disrupt the natural cycle of hair regrowth and revitalisation. Crash diets or restrictive eating habits can deprive hair follicles of essential nutrients.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Thyroid dysfunction is a common culprit of diffuse hair loss, in particular an imbalance of the thyroid hormones T3, T4, and TSH.
Postpartum hormonal changes can also cause telogen effluvium, commonly referred to as postpartum hair loss.
Does Hair Grow Back After Telogen Effluvium?
Yes, hair regrowth is typical after telogen effluvium. Once the triggering factor is addressed, hair generally begins to grow back within a few months. If hair loss persists, seeking professional advice is crucial to identify and treat the root cause effectively.
If you are self-conscious about the degree of loss, there are ways to mask its appearance in the short-term while seeking medical treatment. These include hair fibres or powders which can be applied to the thinning areas, wigs or hairpieces, or, for permanent results, hair transplants. However, it is best to address the root cause of the alopecia with your medical practitioner.
How to Treat Telogen Effluvium
Managing telogen effluvium requires a three-pronged approach:
- Psychological Care: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, therapy, or mindfulness practices can significantly improve outcomes. Consider counselling if emotional triggers are a factor.
- Nutritional Support: Adopt a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, biotin, and zinc. Foods like spinach, eggs, and oily fish can nourish hair from within. Supplements may be recommended if deficiencies are detected.
- Medical Interventions: Topical treatments such as minoxidil can stimulate blood flow to the scalp and promote hair regrowth. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can revitalise hair follicles too, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can improve hair density and quality.
Other medical treatments exist to remedy diffuse alopecia, including these hair products and treatments:
- Mesotherapy: A mix of vitamins and growth factors injected into the scalp to encourage hair growth. Results are typically apparent after 2 months of treatment.
- Microneedling: Tiny perforations in the scalp stimulate blood flow and nutrient absorption. Hair growth often accelerates after just 2 months of treatment.
Conclusion
Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition characterised by sudden, diffuse hair loss caused by stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, or medical treatments. While it typically resolves within a few months, chronic cases may require medical attention.
Combining psychological support, proper nutrition, and targeted hair treatments can significantly improve outcomes. If you’re concerned about hair loss, don’t hesitate to consult with our experts.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a free hair analysis and discover tailored solutions for restoring your hair.
FAQ
Can telogen effluvium become chronic?
Yes, telogen effluvium can become chronic (lasting more than six months) if the underlying trigger persists or remains unidentified. Chronic telogen effluvium may require specialised medical investigation to rule out ongoing causes like hormonal imbalances, prolonged stress, or nutritional deficiencies.
How can I tell if my hair loss is caused by telogen effluvium or another condition?
Telogen effluvium typically causes diffuse hair loss across the entire scalp without bald patches, redness, or scarring. Conditions like alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia may cause patchy hair loss or specific thinning patterns. A trichologist or dermatologist can diagnose your condition using tools like trichoscopy or scalp biopsies.
Are there any lifestyle habits that can prevent telogen effluvium?
Excessive use of heat styling tools, tight hairstyles (e.g., ponytails, braids), and chemical treatments may further weaken hair experiencing telogen effluvium. Gentle hair care, including mild shampoos and avoiding harsh pulling, is recommended.
How is telogen effluvium diagnosed by a doctor?
Diagnosis often involves a detailed medical history, physical examination of the scalp, and diagnostic tests. These may include blood tests to check for deficiencies or thyroid dysfunction, a trichoscopy (microscopic examination of hair follicles), and, in rare cases, a scalp biopsy.
Does telogen effluvium cause itching or scalp discomfort?
Generally, telogen effluvium does not cause itching, redness, or pain in the scalp. If you experience these symptoms, another condition such as seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis might be present, requiring further investigation.
Can telogen effluvium occur more than once?
Yes, telogen effluvium can recur if the triggering factors, such as stress, illness, or nutritional imbalances, happen again. Repeated episodes may lead to a more prolonged recovery period.
What supplements are most effective for promoting hair regrowth in telogen effluvium?
Supplements containing biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are commonly recommended. However, it’s important to confirm deficiencies through blood tests before starting supplementation to avoid overconsumption.
Is telogen effluvium more common in certain age groups?
Telogen effluvium can affect people of all ages but is more commonly seen in adults experiencing stress, postpartum hormonal changes, or illnesses. It can also affect older adults due to age-related nutritional deficiencies or medical conditions.
How much hair loss per day is considered normal compared to telogen effluvium?
Normal hair shedding is approximately 50-100 hairs per day. In telogen effluvium, daily hair loss can range from 100 to over 1,000 hairs, resulting in noticeably thinner hair.
Are men equally affected by telogen effluvium as women?
While telogen effluvium can affect both men and women, it is more common in women due to factors like pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, and greater sensitivity to stress-related triggers.
How long does it take for hair to regrow after treatment begins?
Hair regrowth typically begins 2-3 months after the underlying cause of telogen effluvium is resolved. Full hair recovery can take 6-12 months, depending on the severity and duration of the condition.
Can telogen effluvium lead to permanent hair loss?
Telogen effluvium itself does not usually cause permanent hair loss. However, if left untreated or if there’s an ongoing underlying issue, it may exacerbate other conditions like androgenetic alopecia.
Are there any medical conditions that mimic telogen effluvium?
Yes, conditions such as alopecia areata, thyroid disorders, lupus, and scalp infections may cause similar symptoms. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to rule out these conditions.
Is telogen effluvium hereditary?
Telogen effluvium itself is not hereditary, as it is triggered by external factors. However, genetic predisposition to hair thinning (e.g., androgenetic alopecia) may influence how noticeable hair loss appears during an episode of telogen effluvium.
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