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Table of Contents
- What Is Telogen Effluvium (Temporary Hair Loss)?
- What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
- What Are the Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium?
- How Many Hairs a Day Is Normal to Lose?
- How Is Telogen Effluvium Diagnosed?
- How Is Telogen Effluvium Treated?
- When Does Hair Grow Back?
- Postpartum Hair Loss
- Hair Loss Evaluation in Antalya
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Telogen Effluvium (Temporary Hair Loss)?
Telogen effluvium is a common, temporary, diffuse hair loss that occurs when hairs in the growth phase shift prematurely into the resting (telogen) phase after the body experiences physical or emotional stress.
Because the hair follicles are not damaged, it does not cause permanent baldness. Once the cause is removed, hair usually recovers on its own.
What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
The most common causes are high-fever illnesses (including COVID-19), surgery, childbirth, sudden and significant weight loss, strict diets, intense psychological stress, iron deficiency, thyroid disorders and certain medications.
Shedding usually starts 2–3 months after the triggering event, which is why the cause is often overlooked.
What Are the Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium?
The typical sign is a marked increase in hair shedding when washing, brushing and on the pillow. A small white bulb (telogen club) can be seen at the end of shed hairs.
Hair thins diffusely over the whole scalp without bald patches. Thinning at the temples may be more noticeable.
How Many Hairs a Day Is Normal to Lose?
Losing about 50–100 hairs a day is considered normal. In telogen effluvium this number rises significantly, and much more shedding is noticed on hair-washing days.
If shedding lasts longer than 6 months, evaluation for chronic telogen effluvium or another type of hair loss is needed.
How Is Telogen Effluvium Diagnosed?
Diagnosis uses a detailed history, scalp examination, the pull test and trichoscopy (dermoscopic examination of the hair and scalp).
Blood tests such as iron stores (ferritin), thyroid hormones, vitamin B12 and vitamin D help identify underlying causes. Distinguishing it from androgenetic hair loss, which can coexist, is important.
How Is Telogen Effluvium Treated?
The basis of treatment is finding and correcting the trigger: correcting iron or vitamin deficiencies, treating thyroid problems, a balanced diet with enough protein and stress management.
When needed, topical treatments or procedures such as mesotherapy that reduce shedding and support regrowth can be added on the doctor’s recommendation. Random supplement use is not recommended.
When Does Hair Grow Back?
After the cause is removed, shedding usually decreases within 3–6 months. Short new hairs are especially noticeable along the front hairline.
Regaining previous hair density can take 6–12 months; patience is important during this time.
Postpartum Hair Loss
Higher hormone levels in pregnancy delay hair shedding; after childbirth, as hormones drop, noticeable shedding usually starts around 2–4 months.
This usually resolves on its own within a year. Breastfeeding-appropriate support and checking for iron deficiency make the process easier.
Hair Loss Evaluation in Antalya
Correctly identifying the type of hair loss prevents unnecessary treatments. In the consultation with dermatologist Dr. Melda Özekinci, the scalp is examined with trichoscopy, the necessary tests are requested and a personalized treatment plan is created.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does telogen effluvium cause baldness?
No, because the follicles are preserved it does not cause permanent baldness.
Does cutting my hair reduce shedding?
It does not affect shedding, but it can make hair look fuller.
Do biotin supplements help?
Without a deficiency they show no clear benefit; supplements should be used on a doctor’s advice.
Can stress cause hair loss?
Yes, intense stress is one of the common triggers of telogen effluvium.
