Dealing with some form of hair loss is common, especially as you age, but did you know if you are experiencing rapid hair loss, it can be from telogen effluvium? It is a type of alopecia known for its scattered (diffuse) pattern of hair loss that frequently begins suddenly.
Though hair loss on the scalp is typically the only sign, it can also damage hair on any area of the body. There is also a chronic type of telogen effluvium that has a longer duration and a more subtle beginning than the usual type people experience.
Let’s take an in-depth look at this frustrating and stressful condition and find the best treatment methods.
Telogen Effluvium: What is It?
This kind of hair loss is characterised by excessive shedding or thinning of the hair. It usually results from a disruption in the hair growth cycle and is more common in women than men. Usually, our hair growth cycle consists of three stages – growth phase or anagen, catagen or period of transition, and telogen, which is the resting phase. The telogen phase of this hair growth cycle is affected by the Telogen effluvium disorder which causes excessive shedding of hair.
Since the anagen phase also slows down with this form of hair loss, fewer hairs advance to the following two phases, which results in the telogen effluvium hair loss condition. When a person has chronic telogen effluvium, they frequently have hair loss that lasts longer than six months; however, in most cases, this form of hair loss can be reversed. One good thing, although their hair may grow considerably thinner, people with this illness do not lose all of their hair.
Common Cause of Telogen Effluvium
One of the primary signs of this hair fall phase is an increase in everyday hair loss. When combing or washing their hair, someone may notice more hair falling out than usual. Researchers could not specify the exact cause of this disorder, but several factors can be the reason behind telogen effluvium-related hair loss.
- Severe stress: This hair shedding episode can be brought on by an extended period of stress, and after such a stressful event, hair loss usually happens between two and four months after.
- Less nutrient-dense diet: Protein, iron, B vitamins, and zinc are essential elements for hair growth, so if your diet doesn’t contain enough of those, hair loss increases.
- Abrupt weight loss: Hair loss may result from sudden weight loss or long-term calorie restriction, since in such cases, the person is most likely not getting enough nutrients.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: More hair is in the growth phase for a longer period of time during pregnancy, which means your overall amount of hair appears to increase or look fuller. Also, postpartum telogen effluvium can be brought on by hormonal changes that take place three to four months after giving birth.
- Menopause: This reactive hair loss may also be brought on by hormonal changes that take place during menopause.
- Certain drugs: Beta-blockers, retinoids, and anticoagulants are certain drugs, whether prescription and recreational, that can result in hair loss in some people.
- Underlying medical conditions: Alopecia areata, thyroid-related disorders, and autoimmune diseases are examples of some underlying medical illnesses that can result in hair loss.
- Surgery: Hair loss from surgery depends on the type of surgery, duration of hospitalisation, medicines, and general nutritional state.
- Metal toxicity: Hair loss may result from exposure to harmful compounds found in certain metals, although it is a rather uncommon reason for hair loss.
Even when you are facing telogen effluvium hair loss, your hair should generally appear healthy. Other common symptoms of hair loss, such as a rash, itching, burning discomfort, or flaking, should not be present if you have this hair fall phase.
Telogen Effluvium Cure: Medicine and Lifestyle Changes
When you are diagnosed with telogen effluvium hair loss, people often worry that they will lose all of their hair, but the good news is, this hair loss condition doesn’t cause complete receding hair.
The condition normally disappears three to six months after you first notice your hair loss. However, certain therapies and lifestyle changes can help reduce hair loss from telogen effluvium.
- Drugs: Hair growth is encouraged by over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like minoxidil that you apply to your scalp directly. Remember, Minoxidil has side effects such as headaches and irritated scalps, and if you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take Minoxidil.
- Eating enough protein: The building blocks for hair growth are found in protein, so increased protein intake can help you in this condition. One can try to eat foods high in protein, like meat, eggs, fish, beans, grains, and nuts, and for hair growth, the amino acid lysine might also be very crucial.
- Getting adequate iron from food: Telogen effluvium and iron deficiency may be related, so this type of hair loss may be reduced by incorporating foods high in iron into the diet. Iron-rich foods include beans, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, and red meat.
- Consume vitamins: Healthy hair is maintained by a number of vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. That’s why eating a vitamin-rich diet can help. Remember, before incorporating any new supplements into your diet, always consult your physician.
- Don’t follow rigid diets for weight loss: If you follow extreme diets for weight loss, that can cause telogen effluvium because of the nutritional deficits of such restrictive diets.
- Ensure you get enough sleep: The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Reduced stress is one big advantage of getting a good night’s sleep, and it can help reduce hair loss.
If you are thinking about using medication or making lifestyle changes to reduce hair loss from telogen effluvium, make sure you consult a dermatologist or trichologist who specialises in disorders affecting the hair and scalp for expert assistance.
Telogen Effluvium Diagnosis Process
Usually, a physician will look at the fallen hairs to diagnose this since a doctor can distinguish between telogen effluvium hair loss and alopecia by looking at the diameter and length of the lost hairs. A hair pull test is another procedure a doctor can use to determine how much hair a patient is losing.
To assist in identifying the reason for hair loss, a blood test might also be helpful because thyroid insufficiency and iron deficiency can be diagnosed with the aid of these tests. Other signs of hair health, like the scalp’s appearance, areas of hair loss, or more widespread hair thinning, will also be examined.
Conclusion
Telogen effluvium causes sudden hair loss, and the amount of hair loss is often alarming. However, the condition is usually temporary, and after three to six months, the hair loss stops. Remember, chronic telogen effluvium is the exception, and it lasts longer. Although there isn’t a precise treatment, dietary and lifestyle modifications can help start hair growth and reduce the amount of hairfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to diagnose telogen effluvium as the cause of hair loss?
The typical signs of telogen effluvium-induced hair loss are uniform hair thinning, visible and increased hair loss, hair loss occurring two to three months following a significant stressor event, and no indications of inflammation or scarring on the scalp.
2. How common is telogen effluvium?
This reactive hair loss disorder is one of the most frequent reasons for abrupt hair loss, and it’s also among the most common reasons why women lose their hair.
3. How is telogen effluvium treated?
Finding the root cause of treatment is crucial because stress on your body is one of the primary causes of this phase of hair loss. The telogen effluvium-related hair loss issue will go away on its own in three to six months after the cause has been treated and addressed.
4. Which factors can cause telogen effluvium?
There are numerous triggers for telogen effluvium, but the most common of those are extreme stress, inadequacies in nutrition, abrupt reduction in weight, hormonal shifts and surgery.
5. Who is most commonly affected by telogen effluvium?
Telogen effluvium can develop in anyone; however, if you are a woman over the age of thirty, your chances of having this form of hair loss without a known reason are increased.
6. For how long does this hair loss condition last?
This hair loss phase is typically reversible and lasts for about six months, but chronic telogen effluvium is the term used to describe conditions that persist past this point.
7. Can telogen effluvium be completely cured once it has begun?
Unfortunately, this reactive hair loss cannot be prevented, and once it begins, there are no effective treatments to halt the shedding immediately. But controlling the underlying causes might speed up the process of recovery, which can be aided by managing stress, resolving any medical conditions, and addressing nutritional deficiencies.
