Hair loss is a concern for many individuals, and one specific type of hair loss that is often misunderstood is telogen effluvium. Unlike other forms of hair loss, telogen effluvium is typically temporary but can cause considerable stress and worry. To address this issue effectively, it is essential to understand what causes telogen effluvium, its triggers, and how it can be managed.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a form of hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase prematurely. During this phase, hair stops growing and eventually falls out. While it is normal for 10-15% of your hair to be in this phase at any given time, in individuals with telogen effluvium, this number increases significantly, leading to noticeable hair shedding.
Unlike conditions such as androgenic alopecia, which causes permanent hair loss, telogen effluvium is typically temporary. The hair follicles remain intact, and once the triggering factor is addressed, hair usually regrows.
Primary Causes of Telogen Effluvium
Several factors can trigger telogen effluvium, pushing hair follicles into the resting phase prematurely. These factors can vary in intensity and duration, affecting how long the condition persists.
1. Physical or Emotional Stress
One of the most common causes of telogen effluvium is stress. Both physical and emotional stress can have a profound impact on the hair growth cycle. When the body undergoes severe stress, such as after surgery, a serious illness, or emotional trauma, it prioritizes vital functions, which can cause the hair follicles to shift into the telogen phase.
Physical Stressors: Physical trauma such as surgery, accidents, or significant blood loss can trigger telogen effluvium. The body’s shock response to these events can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
Emotional Stressors: Major life changes, the death of a loved one, divorce, or other emotional challenges can also act as triggers. While stress does not directly cause hair loss, the body’s reaction to stress can lead to changes in the hair growth cycle.
SEE ALSO: Does Hair Loss from Stress Come Back?
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
A diet that lacks essential nutrients can cause telogen effluvium. Hair growth relies on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. When the body lacks key nutrients, it may struggle to maintain normal hair growth patterns.
Iron Deficiency: Iron plays a crucial role in producing hemoglobin, which helps deliver oxygen to cells. Low iron levels can restrict oxygen flow to hair follicles, resulting in hair shedding. Iron-deficiency anemia is particularly common in women and can often go undiagnosed until symptoms such as hair loss occur.
Protein Deficiency: Since hair is made up of keratin, a type of protein, inadequate protein intake can slow down hair growth and push follicles into the telogen phase. Protein is essential for maintaining healthy hair, and insufficient protein can lead to weak, brittle hair and increased shedding.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins like vitamin D, zinc, and B vitamins can also contribute to hair thinning. These nutrients are essential for hair growth and follicle health, and their deficiency can interrupt the normal hair cycle.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal changes are another major contributor to telogen effluvium. Women, in particular, are prone to experiencing hair loss during periods of hormonal fluctuation.
Pregnancy and Postpartum: Telogen effluvium is common after childbirth. During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels extend the hair’s growth phase, leading to fuller, thicker hair. After delivery, estrogen levels drop, causing many hairs to enter the resting phase simultaneously, resulting in excessive shedding. This type of hair loss, known as postpartum telogen effluvium, typically resolves within a few months.
Menopause: As women age and enter menopause, the decline in estrogen levels can trigger hair thinning and shedding. Hormonal shifts can also make the hair more prone to damage, exacerbating telogen effluvium.
Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause telogen effluvium. The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism, and imbalances in thyroid hormone levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
4. Medications and Medical Treatments
Certain medications and medical treatments are known to cause telogen effluvium as a side effect. These include medications for chronic conditions and treatments like chemotherapy, which target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles.
Medications: Drugs used to treat high blood pressure, depression, arthritis, and certain heart conditions can cause telogen effluvium. These medications may alter the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding.
Chemotherapy: While chemotherapy is most commonly associated with anagen effluvium (which causes rapid hair loss during the growth phase), some treatments can also trigger telogen effluvium. Hair may shed in large quantities a few months after treatment as a delayed response to the chemotherapy drugs.
Other Medical Treatments: Radiation therapy, major surgery, and other invasive procedures can place significant stress on the body, which may result in telogen effluvium.
5. Sudden Weight Loss or Extreme Dieting
Extreme changes in diet or rapid weight loss can also lead to telogen effluvium. Crash diets, low-calorie diets, or diets that exclude essential nutrients can deprive the body of the nourishment it needs to support hair growth. When the body is in a state of nutrient deficiency or caloric restriction, it prioritizes vital functions over hair growth, causing hair to enter the resting phase prematurely.
Fad Diets: Diets that focus on excluding major food groups (such as low-carb or low-fat diets) can negatively impact hair health. Without a balanced intake of nutrients, hair follicles may not receive the nourishment they need to remain in the growth phase.
Bariatric Surgery: Weight-loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass, can also cause telogen effluvium. These surgeries often result in rapid weight loss and may affect the body’s ability to absorb key nutrients, leading to hair loss.
6. Illness or Infection
Certain illnesses and infections can disrupt the normal hair cycle and cause telogen effluvium. Fevers, infections, and chronic health conditions can place significant stress on the body, which may trigger hair shedding.
Severe Infections: Viral or bacterial infections that cause high fevers can lead to temporary hair loss. The stress of fighting off infection and recovering from illness can push hair follicles into the resting phase.
Chronic Illness: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders can cause telogen effluvium. Chronic inflammation and immune system activity can disrupt hair growth.
7. Environmental and External Factors
Exposure to environmental pollutants and external factors can also trigger telogen effluvium. These include chemicals, toxins, and harsh hair treatments that damage the hair follicles.
Environmental Pollutants: Pollutants like smoke, smog, and heavy metals can negatively affect the scalp and hair follicles. Long-term exposure to such elements may weaken hair follicles and lead to increased shedding.
Chemical Treatments: Harsh hair treatments, including frequent coloring, bleaching, and the use of heat styling tools, can damage the hair shaft and scalp. Over time, this can weaken the hair and lead to telogen effluvium.
Diagnosing Telogen Effluvium
If you notice increased hair shedding, it is important to seek medical advice to confirm whether telogen effluvium is the cause. A healthcare provider will perform a thorough examination, including:
Medical History: A detailed review of your medical history, recent life events, medications, and dietary habits will help identify potential triggers.
Hair Pull Test: During this test, the doctor gently pulls on a small section of hair to assess how many hairs come out. In cases of telogen effluvium, more than 10% of the hair may be easily removed.
Scalp Biopsy: In some cases, a scalp biopsy may be performed to examine the hair follicles and confirm the diagnosis of telogen effluvium.
Treatment and Recovery
The good news is that telogen effluvium is generally a temporary condition. Once the underlying cause is identified and addressed, hair typically regrows within six to nine months. However, treatment may vary depending on the specific trigger:
Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies: If nutritional deficiencies are the cause, a balanced diet rich in iron, protein, vitamins, and minerals can help restore normal hair growth.
Managing Stress: Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise, can help reduce stress and support hair recovery.
Adjusting Medications: If medications are causing telogen effluvium, your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or suggest alternative treatments.
Conclusion
Telogen effluvium is a common but temporary form of hair loss that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, and medications. Understanding the root cause of the condition is key to effective management and recovery. With proper care and attention, most individuals can expect to see their hair regrow in time.