Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss

Everyone faces the problem of their hair falling out, and this is quite a natural process. A healthy person loses about one hundred hairs per day. This can be seen on the pillow, on the comb, or in the bath when washing your hair. This process is part of the healthy hair growth cycle. The period of growth continues for several years, then hair rests for several months, and after that, it begins to grow again.

The telogen phase, or rest phase, is a part of the hair growth cycle when hair is resting. With Telogen Effluvium, hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen stage, and the number of healthy hair follicles is significantly reduced. As a result, the density of hair decreases drastically, and it becomes thin.

Dermatologists distinguish acute and chronic forms of Telogen Effluvium.

1. Acute. Hair loss with Telogen Effluvium can happen abruptly, especially when the body experiences any shock. After a stressful situation, up to 70% of hair can be lost within two to three months. Taking a handful of hair and pulling a little will cause many to come out in large quantities.
2. With chronic hair loss in the telogen phase, the process is long-term and gradual. If you pull your hair, it’s unlikely that you will see a lot of it left on your hand.

What are the main causes of hair loss during the telogen phase?

There are many reasons why hair loss can occur due to Telogen Effluvium:

• increased body temperature;
• severe forms of infectious diseases;
• childbirth;
• serious psychological stress;
• severe chronic illness;
• surgery;
• pathology of the thyroid gland (such as hypothyroidism);
• exhausting diets with insufficient protein;
• certain medications (beta-blockers, retinoids, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, NSAIDs).

Stress “includes” biological instructions for hair loss. Most often this process affects the scalp, but it can affect other parts of the body (eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic region, etc.).

The process of hair loss only decreases after the cause of the pathology is found and eliminated. Improvement of the hair condition usually begins within six months or a little later, after the normalization of the situation.

Telogen Effluvium is a relatively common cause of hair loss for women. Women who once had thick hair during adolescence are often in the risk group. In this case, it seems like their hair is still in good condition. The degree of hair loss can fluctuate throughout the year. It depends on various factors.

How to determine the cause of hair loss?

To be sure that your hair loss is due to Telogen Effluvium, it is necessary to conduct a study of the follicles under a microscope. If this is the exact reason, then the hair roots will have a “clavate” shape. If there is any doubt in the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe some additional tests (biopsy, blood test, etc.).

Treatment

The first thing to do is seek medical advice. Only a doctor can confirm the correct diagnosis, which will ensure the effectiveness of further treatment. Hair can be restored using three methods with different efficacy (medicines, hair transplantation, low-level laser therapy).