What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen Effluvium is when the hair stops in the resting (Telogen) phase of the hair’s growth cycle, causing the hair to look thinner throughout. It can affect men, women and children although it is more commonly known to effect women.
Signs of Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a general thinning of the hair. Sufferers will often notice a higher number of hairs are lost when washing or drying the hair.
Possible Causes of Telogen Effluvium
There are many possible causes of Telogen Effluvium; here are some of the more common;
• Child birth
• Miscarriage or termination
• Birth control
• Severe stress
• An accident
• Loss of a loved one/Bereavement
• Thyroid, anaemia or diabetes
Many women notice a larger than normal amount of hair loss shortly after giving birth (usually around 3-6 months). This is a form of Telogen Effluvium also known as postpartum hair loss.
During pregnancy the hair often becomes very thick and luscious due to the increase in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the hair to stay in the growth (anagen) phase for longer.
Usually around 3-6 months after giving birth a sudden change in the hormones within the body suddenly causes the hair to enter the resting (teleogen) phase. This causes the scalp to suddenly shed the hair that should have been shed previously so a larger amount of hair is lost at once causing concern.
The same can also occur due to a miscarriage, a termination, a change of birth control or the menopause. These all alter the hormones within the body which can cause Telogen Effluvium.
Severe stress caused by everyday life such as work stress, the loss of someone close, a medical procedure, an accident can also result in Telogen Effluvium.
Some medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. It’s important to always read the leaflet with any medication and if you should suffer, speak to the medical professional who prescribed them as often there are alternatives you can try. It is however important to note that not all people will suffer the side effects stated.
Commonly Thyroid, Anaemia and Diabetes as well as zinc and iron deficiency can all cause hair loss. A simple blood test at your doctors can eliminate these if you are suffering.
Telogen Effluvium often rectifies itself over time but the correct treatment in a reputable Hair Clinic can encourage the growth faster. As with any condition, the earlier it is noticed and treated the better and quicker the results are.
Call us on 01273 711140 to book a consultation, discuss any concerns you may have and to find out which treatment pack would best suit you, should you be suffering.