Telogen Effluvium (Sudden Hair Loss Event)

What is Telogen Effluvium

The telogen phase of hair growth is the last of three phases, and is commonly referred to as the resting phase. It occurs after the anagen hair growth phase, and the catagen, or transition, phase.

Telogen effluvium occurs when the normal balance between the hairs in the anagen (growth) phase and telogen (rest) phases is disrupted, with the telogen phase dominating. A disproportionate amount of shedding occurs, leading to a decrease in the total number of hairs. The scalp is the main area affected, but other areas of the body may also be subjected to excessive shedding.

During Telogen Effluvium, up to 50% of hairs may be in the telogen phase. Normally, 10% to 15% of hair should be in the telogen phase. However, if medical tests reveal that more than 70% of hairs are actually in the telogen phase, then sever metabolic changes or toxic exposures should be investigated promptly as the cause of the hair loss. The person suffering from telogen effluvium has likely have suffered an inciting event three to four months prior to the onset of hair loss.

What causes Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is believed to be caused or triggered by a number of factors. Namely, a shock to the body occurs, causing hair shedding:

• Sudden illness, such as a severe infection, high fever, major surgery or severe trauma. Prolonged fever from malaria.
• Hormonal changes, such as those undergone by women during pregnancy and delivery, and hormonal changes due to hypothyroidism.
• Chronic illness, such as systemic lupus, cancer, kidney diseases and liver diseases.
• Diet and malnutrition, such as a sudden change to a severe weight loss diet, or a diet causing chronic iron deficiency or protein deficiency.
• Metal poisoning, as in exposure to heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and thallium.
• Medication, such as anti-cancer drugs and chemotherapy, beta blockers, anticoagulants, retinoids, hormones, anti-convulsants, antithyroid agents, alkylating agents
• Severe psychological stress, such as occurs during life threatening situations.
• Lots of travel, which can result in severe jet lag, and possible exposure to varying changes in climates. These can increase stress and cause lack of sleep.

All these factors can trigger hair loss, and you may notice you have less hair three to four months after some of these major events, such as an illness or surgery. These conditions cause hair to shift rapidly into the telogen phase, ultimately meaning you’ll see less new hair growth and large hair fall.

What does Telogen Effluvium look like

 

 

Treatment for Telogen Effluvium

For most cases of Telogen Effluvium, no treatment is needed. Normally  hairs fall out when a new hair grows beneath it and pushes it out. Thus with this type of hair loss, hair falling out is a sign of regrowth. As the new hair first comes up through the follicle and pushes out the dead hair, a fine line of new hair is often visible along the forehead.

If Telogen Effluvium is suspected, the most important course of action is to determine if an underlying cause for the problem. Blood tests may be needed if the cause of the hair loss is not evident, such as mild iron deficiency. If the Telogen Effluvium is caused by medication, the medication needs to be stopped. When the cause of the hair loss is giving birth, or a transient illness, the induced Telogen Effluvium is also usually limited and requires no treatment.

Telogen Effluvium Videos and Further Information