Telogen Effluvium - A Type of Hair Loss

Although you are most likely aware of your hair growing or shedding, there are actually 3 stages of hair growth that scientists have been able to determine. The stages are anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase) and telogen (resting and shedding phase). Telogen effluvium occurs when a high percentage of scalp hairs are triggered to enter a resting state. This will result in a sudden appearance of hair loss (“from the root”) with hairs possessing a white ball on the end. On average, telogen effluvium occurs 3 months after a major physical or emotional stress. Telogen effluvium usually resolves after 3 months.

Telogen Effluvium may be induced by:

  • Stress
    • Personal stress
      • Difficult Job
      • Difficult home situation
      • Death in the family
    • Medical stress
      • High fever, infection, flu
      • Surgery
      • Thyroid disease
      • Low iron
      • Childbirth
  • Diet
    • Inadequate protein
  • Discontinuation of Certain Medications
    • Birth Control Pills
    • Minoxidil
    • Dopaminergic medications used in Parkinson’s disease
    • Fluoxetine (Paxil)
  • Taking Certain Medications
    • Beta-Blockers
    • Retinoids by mouth (Accutane), Excessive Vitamin A
    • Propylthiouracil (PTU)
    • Carbamazepine
    • Immunizations
  • Cancer Treatments

Treatment and Recovery:

First we want to reassure you that your hair will return. Underlying problems like poor diet and oral medication changes may be discussed with your primary care physician, if necessary. Never stop any oral medications, unless instructed to do so by your healthcare team. If stress is the cause, work to relieve the stress. Spontaneous re-growth usually occurs within 6 months unless there are on-going telogen effluvium inducers or stress.

Sources: eMedicine Telogen Effluvium Article by Hughes, Drug Reactions Affecting Hair: Diagnosis by Tosti and Pazzaglia, AAD Hair Loss & Hair Restoration Pamphlet.