telogen effluvium
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
Telogen effluvium is a common and often reversible form of hair loss characterized by an increased shedding of hair that is in the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. This condition can be triggered by various factors, such as physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes, medications, nutritional deficiencies, or rapid weight loss. Unlike some
other forms of hair loss, It is usually temporary, and hair growth typically returns to normal once the underlying cause is addressed. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for it’s essential for those experiencing this condition or seeking to manage it effectively.
What is telogen effluvium?
This is a type of hair loss characterized by a sudden and excessive shedding of hair. This condition occurs when a higher-than-normal percentage of hair follicles on the scalp enters the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle simultaneously. Normally, only a small percentage of hairs are in this phase at any given time.
What are the causes of telogen effluvium?
- Physical or Emotional Stress: Severe physical stress from surgery, illness, or injury, as well as emotional stress or trauma, can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and trigger this condition.
- Hormonal Changes: Events like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders can lead to hormonal imbalances that result in it.
- Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, retinoids, and anticoagulants, can have hair loss as a side effect.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly iron, zinc, biotin, and protein, can contribute to hair shedding.
- Rapid Weight Loss: Drastic weight loss, often associated with extreme dieting or bariatric surgery, can lead to it.
- Chronic Illness: Conditions such as chronic liver disease or kidney disease can affect hair growth cycles and result in hair loss.
- Aging: As individuals age, hair follicles may naturally spend more time in the telogen phase, leading to increased hair shedding.
- Medical Treatments: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy used to treat cancer can cause hair loss, including this, although this is often temporary.
Symptoms
- Increased Hair Loss: Telogen effluvium typically results in noticeably increased hair shedding. You may find more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain than usual.
- Thinning Hair: Over time, excessive shedding can lead to a noticeable reduction in hair density, resulting in thinner hair.
- Scalp Visibility: In some cases, you may notice that your scalp becomes more visible through your hair due to the thinning.
- No Other Scalp Symptoms: Unlike some other scalp conditions, It doesn't typically cause itching, pain, or redness on the scalp. It's primarily characterized by increased hair loss.
- Gradual Onset: The onset of this is often gradual, with increased shedding occurring about three months after the triggering event or underlying cause. This delay is because hair follicles take some time to respond to changes in the hair growth cycle.
Treatments of telogen effluvium.
- Address Underlying Causes: The first step is to identify and address the underlying factor causing telogen effluvium. This could involve managing stress, treating hormonal imbalances, adjusting medications, or addressing nutritional deficiencies. Consulting a healthcare professional or dermatologist is crucial for this.
- Nutrition: Ensure you have a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, biotin, and protein. Supplements may be recommended if deficiencies are detected.
- Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises can help reduce stress, which may contribute to it.
- Medication: In some cases, doctor in generals may prescribe medications like minoxidil, which can promote hair growth. However, this is typically considered if the condition persists or worsens.
- Hair Care: Be gentle with your hair to minimize additional stress. Avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair, and use mild shampoos and conditioners.
- Avoid Harsh Hair Treatments: Refrain from chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can further damage the hair.
- Scalp Care: Maintaining a healthy scalp can support hair growth. Gentle scalp massages and using products designed to improve scalp health may help.
Diagnosis
- Medical History: Your doctor will begin by asking you about your medical history. They will inquire about any recent illnesses, surgeries, medications you are taking, emotional stressors, and changes in your diet or lifestyle. This information helps identify potential triggers for your hair loss.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination of your scalp and hair is performed to assess the extent of hair loss and the overall condition of your hair and scalp. Your doctor will look for signs of inflammation or other scalp conditions.
- Pull Test: In a pull test, your doctor in general gently tugs on a small amount of your hair to see how easily it comes out. In this condition, more hair than usual will come out.
- Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests may be ordered to check for nutritional deficiencies (e.g., low iron levels) or hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid function). These tests can help pinpoint potential underlying causes of hair loss.
- Scalp Biopsy: If the diagnosis is unclear or if there are signs of other scalp conditions, a scalp biopsy may be recommended. This involves taking a small sample of scalp tissue for further examination under a microscope.
Conclusion
Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of hair in the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. It can be triggered by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, medications, nutritional deficiencies, and more. While the condition can be distressing, the good news is that it is usually reversible, and most people experience regrowth once the underlying cause is addressed. Diagnosis involves a thorough medical evaluation, including a review of medical history, physical examination, and sometimes blood tests or scalp biopsy to rule out other causes. Treatment strategies focus on identifying and managing the specific trigger, which may involve stress reduction, nutritional improvements, medication adjustments, or targeted hair growth treatments. It’s essential to consult with doctor in general in or dermatologist if you suspect you have this disease or are concerned about hair loss. With proper diagnosis and appropriate interventions, this can be effectively managed, and the health and appearance of your hair can be restored over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
it is a type of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of hair, often
triggered by factors like stress, hormonal changes, medications, or nutritional
deficiencies.
Is telogen effluvium permanent?
Common triggers include physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes
(e.g., pregnancy, menopause), medications, nutritional deficiencies, and
rapid weight loss.
Diagnosis involves a medical history assessment, physical examination, and
sometimes blood tests or scalp biopsy to rule out other causes of hair loss.
While it’s not always preventable, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing
stress, and ensuring a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing
telogen effluvium.