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Telogen Effluvium: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss condition where more hair follicles than usual enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle. This phenomenon is often triggered by various factors, such as physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, sudden dietary changes, or the use of certain medications. Although telogen effluvium is typically reversible, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments can help manage and prevent its recurrence effectively.

Telogen Effluvium

What Is Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen effluvium occurs when a significant percentage of hair follicles prematurely shift from the active (anagen) phase to the resting (telogen) phase. This disruption often leads to noticeable hair shedding within two to three months after the triggering event. Unlike other hair loss conditions, telogen effluvium usually affects the entire scalp rather than specific areas.

Telogen Effluvium

Causes of Telogen Effluvium

  1. Physical Stress
    Trauma, surgery, high fevers, or childbirth are common physical stressors that can disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger telogen effluvium.
  2. Emotional Stress
    Significant emotional distress, such as the loss of a loved one or prolonged anxiety, can negatively impact the hair growth process.
  3. Hormonal Imbalances
    Hormonal shifts, particularly postpartum hormonal changes or thyroid disorders, are known triggers for telogen effluvium.
  4. Nutritional Deficiencies
    Sudden dietary restrictions or deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, or vitamin D can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
  5. Medications
    Drugs such as anticoagulants, retinoids, or certain antidepressants may induce telogen effluvium as a side effect.
  6. Chronic Illnesses
    Underlying health conditions like autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, or severe illnesses can cause a disruption in hair growth.
Telogen Effluvium

Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium

  • Diffuse Hair Shedding: Excessive hair loss is often noticed while washing or combing hair.
  • Overall Thinning: The hair appears less dense, particularly at the crown and temples.
  • Hair Breakage: Although less common, some individuals may experience fragile hair strands.
  • No Scalp Scarring: Telogen effluvium does not typically result in scarring or bald patches.
Telogen Effluvium

Diagnosis of Telogen Effluvium

Accurate diagnosis is vital to differentiate telogen effluvium from other forms of hair loss, such as alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia. Dermatologists may:

  • Conduct a pull test to assess the extent of shedding.
  • Analyze scalp and hair under a microscope.
  • Perform blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances.

Treatment Options for Telogen Effluvium

  1. Addressing Underlying Causes
    Identifying and treating the root cause, whether it’s stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies, is crucial for reversing hair loss.
  2. Nutritional Supplements
    Supplements containing iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamin D can help restore hair health.
  3. Topical Treatments
    Using gentle shampoos and products enriched with natural ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil can improve scalp health and stimulate hair growth.
  4. Stress Management
    Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise, helps in reducing stress levels that contribute to hair loss.
  5. Professional Treatments
    In severe cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may be recommended to promote hair regrowth.
Telogen Effluvium

Lifestyle Adjustments for Recovery

  • Balanced Diet: Include protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in your meals.
  • Gentle Hair Care: Avoid harsh chemicals, heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can worsen hair loss.
  • Adequate Sleep: Proper rest is essential for overall health, including hair restoration.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain scalp hydration and hair strength.
Telogen Effluvium

Preventing Telogen Effluvium

  • Maintain a well-balanced diet to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
  • Manage stress through mindfulness practices or therapy.
  • Limit exposure to harsh hair treatments and chemical products.
  • Regularly check your thyroid and hormonal levels, especially after major life events.
Telogen Effluvium

When to Seek Medical Help

If excessive hair shedding persists for more than six months or worsens over time, consulting a dermatologist is essential. Chronic telogen effluvium or misdiagnosed conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia, may require specialized treatments.

At Hair Center of Turkey, we are committed to helping you restore your hair health. Our expert team provides personalized assessments and advanced treatments for all hair loss conditions, including telogen effluvium. Book a consultation today to embark on your journey toward thicker, healthier hair!

F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Telogen Effluvium is commonly triggered by factors such as:

  • Stress: Emotional or physical stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair shedding.
  • Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid issues can contribute to this condition.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients, like iron or vitamins, can affect hair health.
  • Medications: Certain drugs, including those for chemotherapy, blood thinners, or antidepressants, may cause hair loss.
  • Illness or surgery: Major health events or recovery from surgery can also provoke this type of hair loss.

The main symptom of Telogen Effluvium is excessive hair shedding, which can occur suddenly or gradually. People often notice:

  • Increased hair fall, especially when washing or brushing hair.
  • Thinning hair, typically around the crown or general hair density.
  • Noticeable shedding of hair, without visible patches or bald spots.
  • It’s important to note that hair typically grows back once the underlying cause is addressed.

In most cases, Telogen Effluvium resolves on its own once the triggering factor is addressed. Treatment may include:

  • Managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
  • Improving nutrition by ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals (iron, vitamin D, etc.).
  • Adjusting medications with a healthcare provider’s guidance if the current medications are contributing to the hair loss.
  • Hair care routines: Gentle handling of hair, avoiding harsh treatments, and reducing heat styling may support the healing process. If the condition persists, a dermatologist or healthcare provider may recommend further treatments such as topical medications or supplements.

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About the Author: Dr. Rasime Erkan
rsme erkn
Rasime Erkan, who has the title of specialist doctor in dermatology, was born in Kayseri. Coming to Istanbul at the age of 2, Dr. Rasime Erkan completed her education here and continued her studies. In 1981, Dr. Rasime Erkan graduated from Istanbul Medical Faculty and started her professional career in a private hospital in Istanbul. In the following years, she completed her specialization in the Department of Dermatology at Istanbul Medical Faculty and continued her career success by completing the “Specialization” exam in 1988. Dr. Rasime Erkan worked as the “Chief Physician” of the hospital in 1992 while continuing her duty in a private hospital. She continued her career as Chief Physician and Dermatologist and after her retirement, she established Lazermed Beauty Center and started working in her own clinic. Dr. Rasime Erkan is currently a dermatologist at Hair Center of Turkey hair transplant clinic and continues her valuable work in our hair transplant clinic with her experience and knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases.
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