One of the most frequently encountered reasons for sudden hair loss globally is telogen effluvium. Even though the hair regrows in most cases, the condition significantly adds to the stress and anxiety of those going through it. This blog explores the meaning of telogen effluvium, its causes, signs/symptoms, and available treatments to demystify this alarming reason of hair loss.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium definition states that it is a form of transient hair loss, triggered by stress and anxiety (physical and emotional). The telogen effluvium meaning is straightforward, it is a combination of two words, “Telogen” which refers to the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle, and “Effluvium” which translates to “shedding”. During telogen effluvium, a huge amount of hair suddenly enters the telogen stage of the hair growth cycle and eventually sheds.
Human hair growth cycle is classified into three stages. These include the growth phase or anagen, the resting phase or catagen, and the shedding phase also known as telogen. During a typical hair growth cycle, the hair entering the telogen phase is in a state of resting and no active hair growth is happening. These hairs are often called club hair because of the bulb-like ending at the root. New hair follicles will grow from this bulb once the hair in the shedding phase falls off.
What are the Causes of Telogen Effluvium?
The main trigger or the telogen effluvium causes is a stressful event that puts an individual’s body or emotional state under pressure. These triggers may be an:
- Event (pregnancy, childbirth, surgical procedures, psychological stressors)
- Medication (Antidepressants, NSAIDs, Calcium-channel blockers, etc.)
- Health issues (Infections, Thyroid conditions, High-grade fever)
- Dieting that includes protein restriction
- Stopping contraceptive medications
- Hormonal shifts
How does Telogen Effluvium Occur?
Telogen effluvium hair loss occurs in four steps. These include:
Exposure to a Trigger
The process begins with a significant life event that triggers the process of telogen effluvium. The regular hair growing cycle is disrupted.
Jumping to Telogen Phase
Due to the disruption of the hair growth cycle, an abnormal amount of hair exits anagen and enters the telogen stage of the hair growth cycle.
Excessive Hair Loss
A couple of months later, all the hair in telogen phases begins to shed. The hair in the shedding phase is loosely attached to the scalp so a lot of it is lost while washing, brushing or drying the hair. This is a common symptom of telogen effluvium hair loss.
Recovery
Telogen effluvium recovery may take approximately six months. After the body recovers from the shock of the stressor that triggered hair loss, hair fall stops and hair begins to regrow in acute telogen effluvium. The condition may become chronic in some and last more than six months. The exact reason for chronic telogen effluvium is unknown.
Who Can Get Telogen Effluvium?
Anyone who undergoes significant physical or emotional stress can develop telogen effluvium. Accelerated hair loss due to telogen effluvium is seen in women more than men. Although telogen effluvium is at times called telogen effluvium alopecia, it is not the same as alopecia. The condition of the scalp is healthy and normal in telogen effluvium. The hair loss is not localized and involves all the scalp. Telogen effluvium signs start to appear a few months after the event that triggered it.
What are Telogen Effluvium Signs/Symptoms?
Telogen effluvium is characterized by several distinct signs and symptoms. Individuals typically experience a noticeable increase in daily hair shedding, often resulting in diffuse thinning across the entire scalp. Hair loss can occur even when the hair is dry, without the need for brushing or washing. Despite the increased shedding, the scalp generally appears healthy with no visible signs of irritation or disease. Additionally, there are usually no other accompanying symptoms affecting the hair or scalp.
How is Telogen Effluvium Diagnosed?
There is no single investigation that will confirm a diagnosis of telogen effluvium hair loss. Dermatologists rely on history, examination, and signs/symptoms of telogen effluvium before and after the triggering event to make a diagnosis. A dermatologist makes the diagnosis of telogen effluvium after performing the following steps:
- Thorough history
- Detailed physical exam (to exclude other causes)
- Hair-pull test (to confirm shedding status)
- Trichoscopy to examine the scalp health
- Investigations (Iron levels, Thyroid function tests, Vitamin D and B12 levels, CBC for anemia)
How is Telogen Effluvium Treated?
Telogen effluvium treatment is based on recognizing and alleviating the triggering event that leads to the symptoms. Acute telogen effluvium recovery takes approximately six months. Hair fall stops and new hair follicles begin to appear. Supportive measures include:
- Medications (Minoxidil)
- Multivitamins
- Nutritional Supplementation (in case of a deficiency)
- Styling choices to hide hair thinning
In a few cases, telogen effluvium symptoms may remain even after six months. With persistence and appropriate care, there is a good chance for the reversal of the hair loss even in cases of chronic telogen effluvium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know whether the hair loss is connected to telogen effluvium?
Your doctor will diagnose telogen effluvium after a detailed history, examination, and appropriate investigations.
Can telogen effluvium be treated?
Yes, telogen effluvium signs are fully reversible.
Is telogen effluvium permanent?
No, telogen effluvium hair loss is not permanent. Even the chronic type shows improvement eventually.
Does taking hair vitamins help with telogen effluvium?
Hair vitamins are effective supportive treatment for telogen effluvium if there is an underlying nutritional (vitamin D, B12, iron) deficiency.
How common is telogen effluvium?
Telogen effluvium hair loss is very widespread. Many people suffer from it globally.
