What is Telogen Effluvium?

While some hair loss conditions, such as female pattern thinning, are due to genetics and others to dysfunctions of the autoimmune system (e.g. Alopecia Areata), some can be a triggered by a highly stressful event that occurs inside or outside the body.

Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss condition in which hair follicles stop growing en masse, and prematurely enter the resting, or telogen phase. In a normal healthy head of hair, only around 10% of hairs are in the telogen state, while the rest are in the growing, or anagen phase. When this balance shifts, as in cases of Telogen Effluvium, hair loss may become apparent.

The hair loss may not be detected immediately, as the affected hairs can remain on the head for months before eventually falling out.

Causes of Telogen Effluvium

It is known that events which are traumatic or stressful to both the body and mind can trigger hair loss through Telogen Effluvium. Though the condition is found in both men and women, it can often manifest itself as a female hair loss problem, as it can be caused by gender specific conditions, such as post-partum depression and the discontinuation of the contraceptive pill.

The condition can also be triggered in some individuals when experiencing severe emotional stress due to external life factors such as bereavement, marital separation or job loss. Sudden traumatic experiences, such as car accidents, may also trigger Telogen Effluvium.

Because of the delay between the visual hair loss and the point at which the hairs prematurely enter the resting phase, the direct cause of the hairloss may not be immediately apparent.

Telogen Effluvium symptoms

The first signs of Telogen Effluvium may be more hairs than usual coming out when the hair is brushed, or larger than normal deposits of lost hair found on the mattress or around the house. Thinning patches of hair may later become noticeable. A trip to the GP or examination by a hair loss specialist will be able to ascertain whether it is Telogen Effluvium or another hairloss condition, such as female pattern hair loss.

Treatments for Telogen Effluvium

Fortunately, hair loss associated with Telogen Effluvium is usually temporary in nature, and hair will re-grow of its own accord in time. However, if the underlying cause of the condition persists, such as in the case of ongoing depression or a medical condition, it may continue until the root cause of the condition is dealt with.

At the Belgravia Centre we are used to seeing cases of Telogen Effluvium, and can help the hair to grow back more quickly. We can also help to ensure that the hair is in the best possible health, and can help you identify the specific causes of your condition to help prevent it from reoccurring.

The Belgravia Centre is staffed by a team of highly experienced hair loss specialists. We have many years of experience in treating clients suffering from a range of other hair loss conditions.

To find out more about treatment options for Telogen Effluvium, contact us today or complete an online diagnostic form for our worldwide service.