Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is the occurrence of the larger number of hair follicles entering into the resting phase than usual. Telogen effluvium (TE) is similar in appearance to androgenetic alopecia. The best way to determine which you may have is by performing the appropriate tests. Telogen effluvium is associated with hormonal factors and many other causes.

Linked together are telogen effluvium and thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is a major stress trigger for telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium and hypothyroidism are common mates in hair loss. Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of thyroxin. Hyperthyroidism also causes TE. Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroxin. Thyroxin is a chemical the body produces to regulate the metabolism. With hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, hair loss is minimal; however, in some cases hair loss can be severe.

Other than hypothyroidism, telogen effluvium is also caused by starting and stopping birth control pills and other medications, the postpartum period after giving birth, miscarriage and abortion, and poor nutrition. Poor nutrition is why you will see pictures of telogen effluvium in anorexia and bulimia patients. The right balance of vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed to grow hair is available in a proper diet. A nutritionist can help you learn how to prepare meals that are nutritionally balanced.

Treatment for telogen effluvium has two categories. Growth stimulants and copper peptide treatment. Some of the telogen effluvium remedies are minoxodil (or Rogaine), tricomin, nizoral, and folligen. Discuss with your dermatologist for the right one for you. Results will not happen overnight. Telogen effluvium recovery takes time. Hair growth after telogen effluvium is slow. Telogen effluvium and club hairs – shed or lost hair with the roots in the shape of a club – are easily treatable with the right medication. If there is any doubt about the condition, a small sample of the scalp taken in the form of a biopsy and examined under a microscope will determine the cause. Typically, the loss of shorter hairs after telogen effluvium occurs and it is temporary.

Cure what is causing the telogen effluvium and new hair growth will occur within six to eight months. As some causes are on-going problems, determine the cause and take the appropriate steps to prevent continued loss of hair. The majority of patients with TE will see a full recovery. The main steps of treatment are to repair the imbalance detected in the blood tests and stimulate hair growth until the imbalance becomes mended.