The good news is, this condition can be treated and is usually reversible, with complete regrowth occurring in one year. However, in order to treat Telogen Effluvium-related hair loss, it is important to determine the cause so that it can be treated as well. It usually presents as a diffuse hair loss, meaning coming from all parts of the scalp. While it is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, during a Telogen Effluvium episode, you will notice increased shedding. The telogen phase of the hair cycle is the resting phase, which is when shedding normally occurs; however, during Telogen Effluvium, either the telogen phase is extended or an abnormal number of hairs enters this phase.
In general, hair has three stages of growth and loss:
- Anagen (growth), the most active stage of your hair growth cycle.
- Catagen (transition), a transitional stage of the hair growth cycle.
- Telogen (resting), the resting stage of your hair growth cycle.
The hair follicles are not in the same stage at the same time, and a Telogen Effluvium hair loss occurs when a greater proportion of hairs are in the telogen phase than normal. After experiencing a stressor or change to your body, up to 70 percent of your hair in the anagen stage may prematurely enter the telogen phase, which is what can cause the rapid and excessive shedding associated with Telogen Effluvium. This hair loss usually occurs three to six months after the stressor occurred.
Seeking help from a hair loss specialist will help you understand and successfully treat this condition. Your hair loss specialist will perform an exam and take a history in order to determine the cause of your hair loss and the best treatment.
Treating Telogen Effluvium is a two-step process. The first step is determining what is causing the “shock” to your hair. It is possible there was a singular insult such as surgery; however, with more chronic issues like stress or medications, you will need to stop the injury to truly treat your Telogen Effluvium. The second step is to treat the hair loss to try and strengthen and rejuvenate your hair.
It is essential that women start
treatment as soon as they notice excessive hair shedding or thinning. By the time the scalp is visible through the hair, almost 50 percent of the density in that area has been lost.
During your consultation, your hair loss specialist will conduct a few simple tests, usually a hair pull test to check how much hair you are actually shedding. A blood test may also be done to determine the exact cause of the hair loss. You will also be asked about your diet, medical history, and any recent stressors or illnesses that occurred three to six months before hair loss is noticed. Sometimes, women with Telogen Effluvium have fully recovered from the stressor or illness in question and don’t make the connection between the two.
