Telogen effluvium (TE) is one of the most common causes of sudden, diffuse hair shedding. It is usually triggered by a stress on the body and is often temporary. This guide covers what TE is, common triggers, how it is diagnosed, and how it is managed.
What telogen effluvium is
Normally, most scalp hairs are in the growth phase (anagen) and a smaller share are in the resting phase (telogen) before they shed. In TE, a trigger pushes a larger than usual share of hairs into the resting phase at the same time. Because hairs stay in the resting phase for a while before falling out, the shedding typically shows up a couple of months or more after the trigger, which is why people often do not connect the two.
Common triggers
- High fever or significant illness, including viral infections
- Surgery or major physical stress
- Childbirth (postpartum shedding)
- Significant emotional stress
- Rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting
- Low iron or other nutritional deficiencies
- Thyroid conditions
- Starting, stopping or changing certain medications, including hormonal contraception
Symptoms
- Noticeably more hair in the shower, on the pillow or on the brush
- Diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than a specific pattern
- Shed hairs that often have a small white bulb at the root
- Usually no bald patches, scalp pain or scarring
How it is diagnosed
A clinician usually diagnoses TE from your history, the pattern of shedding, and an exam. They may recommend blood tests, such as iron studies and thyroid function, to look for an ongoing trigger. TE can also happen alongside pattern hair loss and unmask it. See telogen effluvium vs androgenetic alopecia.
How it is managed
- Identify and address the trigger. For example, treating a deficiency or thyroid problem with a physician, or reviewing a medication with the prescriber.
- Nutrition. Adequate protein, iron and calories support normal hair growth. Supplements are most useful when a deficiency is confirmed.
- Gentle hair care. Reducing heat and tension helps avoid breakage while hair recovers.
- Medical treatment in some cases. For shedding that persists, or when pattern hair loss is also present, a provider may consider options such as minoxidil.
Many cases improve once the trigger has passed. How long that takes varies. See how long telogen effluvium lasts.
When to see a doctor in person
Seek in-person care for patchy bald spots, scalp pain, redness or scarring, hair loss with other new symptoms such as fatigue, weight change or palpitations, or shedding that continues without an obvious trigger.
Next step
If you want a licensed provider to review your hair loss, start your online consultation.
Prescription required for prescription treatment. A licensed provider decides whether treatment is appropriate. Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient and are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary. Prescribed Essence currently serves patients in California, Colorado, Florida and New York.
