Telogen Effluvium: What Causes Sudden Hair Loss?

Introduction

Telogen Effluvium is one of the most frequent reasons of sudden hair loss among men and women. While, this type of alopecia occurs due to a simultaneous entrance of the large amount of hair follicles into the resting phase (telogen phase) of the hair growth cycle. As a consequence, excessive hair loss may be seen during brushing, washing and styling the hair. Knowing the causes, symptoms and treatment of Telogen Effluvium can help you cope with this disease and grow healthy hair.

What Is Telogen Effluvium?

There are three stages in the process of hair growth cycle: anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (resting). Usually, 5-10 % of hair is located in the telogen phase. Therefore, Effluvium the influence of some physical or psychological stress causes the entrance of more hair follicles into the resting phase. Then, after 2-3 months these hairs will fall off causing the hair thinning.

Unlike male and female pattern baldness, Telogen Effluvium causes only the diffuse hair thinning.

Common Causes of Telogen Effluvium

There are several possible causes of Telogen Effluvium, which include:

1. Physical Stress

This condition can be caused by major surgery, serious illness, high fever, or any other physical trauma that may shock your body.

2. Emotional Stress

Events such as losing a loved one, depression, anxiety, or any other emotional stress may cause excessive hair shedding.

3. Lack of Nutrients

The body requires certain essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to produce healthy hair.

4. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, delivery, menopause, or having hormonal imbalances may cause excessive hair shedding.

5. Certain Drugs

Some drugs prescribed to treat conditions like hypertension, depression, skin conditions, cancer, and other diseases may lead to hair shedding.

6. Sudden Weight Loss and Dieting

This can deprive the body of the required nutrients to grow healthy hair.

How Is Telogen Effluvium Diagnosed?

Telogen Effluvium can usually be diagnosed by a dermatologist based on your medical history, illness, any medication that you are taking, diet, and level of stress. Further more, diagnostic tests such as examination of the scalp, hair pull test, and blood tests might be needed in order to check for nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalance that cause hair loss.

Treatment for Telogen Effluvium

The treatment is aim at finding the cause of the problem.

Most common treatment options include:

Suppression of physical or emotional stress

A healthy diet including proteins, iron, zinc, vitamins

Treatment of thyroid problems and other medical conditions

Modification of medication under your doctor’s recommendation

Administration of supplements in case of deficiency

Proper hair care in order to minimize breakage

In most cases, hair starts growing back in about 3-6 months after the cause of the problem is solve. The full healing process usually takes 6-12 months.

Is It Possible to Prevent Telogen Effluvium?

It may not always be preventable but a healthy lifestyle can definitely reduce the chances. Therefore, you need to consume nutritious food, avoid crash diets, use exercises to cope with stress, have sufficient amount of rest, and treat any underlying medical disorders. As a result, health checks will allow you to catch any nutritional or hormonal issues before they have an impact on your hair follicles.

Conclusion

Telogen Effluvium is a very frequent reason for a hair loss that can occur after certain physical stress, psychological trauma, disease, hormonal changes, or lack of nutrients. Even though such hair fall is alarming, normally hair re-growth occurs when the initial cause is correct. If your hair loss persists for many months or even increases, you should definitely see a dermatologist.