A Comprehensive Guide to Telogen Effluvium: Hair Shedding Solutions

Telogen effluvium is a common yet often misunderstood form of hair loss characterized by excessive hair shedding and can cause noticeable thinning. It’s a temporary condition that often resolves itself on its own in a few months… but not always. Here at Bosley, we’ve seen firsthand how hair loss treatment can speed up the hair regrowth process and restore hair shed due to telogen effluvium.

In this guide, we will cover what telogen effluvium is, how to identify it early, what causes it, and what you can do to treat telogen effluvium hair loss. 

What is Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss condition characterized by excessive shedding of hair. It occurs when a large number of hair follicles go into the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely.

This condition affects the entire scalp, resulting in gradual hair thinning throughout the entire scalp rather than patchy hair loss in a specific area. 

What Causes Telogen Effluvium? 

Telogen effluvium can be triggered by many factors, often related to physical or emotional stress on the body. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and management.

Common causes include:

1. Physical stress: Major surgery, severe illness, or significant weight loss
2. Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, or stopping birth control pills
3. Nutritional deficiencies: Iron, protein, or vitamin B deficiencies
4. Medications: Certain drugs, including some antidepressants and beta-blockers
5. Emotional stress: Traumatic events or prolonged periods of anxiety

Telogen effluvium can be chronic in some cases, but more often, it’s acute and occurs in response to a “shock to the system.” The hair loss associated with telogen effluvium typically starts 2-3 months after that triggering event. This delay is because the hair growth cycle takes time to respond to stressors. As many as 70% of scalp hairs may be shed during this time.

Note that in some cases, the cause may not be immediately apparent. A thorough medical history and examination by a hair loss specialist can help identify potential triggers.

Identifying Telogen Effluvium Early

Early detection of telogen effluvium is key to effective management. Identifying hair loss in its early stages can mean quicker intervention and better results.

Look for these signs:

• Increased hair shedding, especially on your pillow or in the shower drain
• Thinning hair across the scalp, not in specific patches
• Decrease in hair volume when you style

If you notice these signs, it may be time to see a hair restoration specialist to discuss diagnosis and treatment.

Remember, early identification means timely treatment, potentially minimizing hair loss and speeding up recovery.

Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss Treatment

For many cases of telogen effluvium, no treatment is needed. Hair grows and sheds in phases – as the hair reenters the growth phase after prematurely entering the telogen phase, hair lost during telogen effluvium will grow back over time. 

Prescription hair loss meds and natural remedies can promote that natural hair regrowth process.

Prescription Hair Loss Medications

Medical treatment for telogen effluvium addresses the underlying cause and promotes hair growth. These treatments are prescribed by a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist.

One common medication is minoxidil, a medication that’s clinically proven to stimulate hair follicles and prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle. It’s available as a topical solution over-the-counter, or as an oral medication via prescription on bosleyrx.com. It has worked in many cases of telogen effluvium.

Finasteride is another highly effective, FDA-approved hair loss drug used to treat male pattern hair loss. It can help promote hair regrowth on the scalp. Find out if you’re a candidate for finasteride and get a prescription at BosleyRx.

Natural Remedies

Stress can cause temporary hair loss, or telogen effluvium. Focusing on reducing stress and improving overall health can get to the root cause of telogen effluvium.

Some telogen effluvium natural remedies include:

• Scalp massage: Improves blood flow to hair follicles
• Essential oils: Certain oils like rosemary and peppermint may stimulate hair growth
• Stress reduction techniques: Meditation, yoga, or regular exercise

Lifestyle changes that can help include:

1. Getting enough sleep
2. Eating a balanced diet
3. Avoiding harsh hair treatments and heat styling

If you’re interested in promoting healthy hair growth in tandem as you reduce stress from your life, consider adding hair growth supplements to your daily routine.

Remember, while these natural approaches can be helpful, they should complement, not replace, professional medical advice.

Hair Restoration Solutions

Telogen effluvium may be temporary, but significant pattern hair loss is a gradual, irreversible condition. If you’re noticing patchy hair loss, a receding hairline, or hair loss at the crown, now might be the time to explore hair restoration solutions. Bosley offers many surgical and non-surgical hair restoration solutions to help you achieve the appearance of thicker, fuller hair, including:

• Hair transplants
• Laser therapy
• Scalp micropigmentation

A hair transplant procedure from Bosley is the proven, permanent solution to genetic hair loss.

Take Action to Treat Telogen Effluvium

If you’re currently dealing with hair loss, whether related to telogen effluvium or otherwise, know that you CAN do something about it. 

Bosley offers a free consultation with hair restoration specialists. During these consultations, you can:

• Get a personalized hair and scalp analysis
• Discuss your concerns and goals
• Explore treatment options

No commitment, no wait, no pressure – just answers to your hair restoration questions. Book a free hair loss consultation with a hair restoration expert today.