Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss

Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss Diagnosis and Treatment 

The average person will shed around 100 hairs every day. However, if you are suffering from Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss, you may lose up to 3 times this amount and your hair will start to lose volume. It may take several months for you to notice that your hair is thinning and it is essential that when you do, you seek professional help and advice from a hair loss specialist at a hair loss clinic.

The hair loss experts at Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough are highly experienced at diagnosing the causes of hair loss and treating it.

Hair Growth Cycle & Changes Caused By Telogen Effluvium 

During a normal hair growth cycle, around 85- 90% of the hairs on the average person’s head are actively growing. We call this the anagen phase. The other 10-15% of the hairs are in the resting phase, also known as the telogen phase. Hair is in the anagen phase for around 2-4 years before entering the telogen phase which usually lasts around 2-4 months, this hair then sheds to make room for the new hair growth.

On average, we shed approximately 100 hairs every day. Telogen Effluvium sufferers will shed around 300 hairs a day, which is due to an increased amount of hair going into the resting phase and then shedding. Your hair will begin to feel thinner due the increased amount of shedding, and even though each hair is replaced with new growth, it can take months for it to grow significantly enough to increase the thickness of your hair. 

What Are The Causes of Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss?

Telogen Effluvium hair loss can be triggered for a number of reasons. We recommend booking a thorough hair loss consultation with a specialist at a hair loss clinic, such as the Rituals Hair Lab so that we can evaluate potential triggers. There is a 95% chance of complete recovery from Telogen Effluvium hair loss when the triggers are correctly identified and, although it can be distressing, it rarely lasts longer than 6 months. Examples of some of the triggers of Telogen Effluvium hair loss are:

✓ Undergoing major surgery procedures
✓ A major physical trauma including accidents or injuries
✓ Major psychological stress such as divorce or grief 
✓ Illness, infection or a high fever
✓ Extreme weight loss through illness or diet
✓ An iron deficiency
✓ Abrupt hormonal changes including childbirth & menopause
✓ Hypothyroidism

Most Telogen Effluvium hair loss cases can be diagnosed with a thorough hair loss consultation where your medical history, scalp and hair will be examined. Your Rituals Hair Lab hair loss specialist may recommend that you visit your GP for a blood test to check for thyroid abnormalities and iron deficiency.

Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss Treatments

It is important to remember that we can do nothing to prevent the physical shock that can lead to Telogen Effluvium hair loss, however if something controllable such as a poor diet is the contributing factor you should make the necessary adjustments. The Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough are fortunate to have a deititian who will work with you to create an effective nutritional plan. Find out more about our dietetics services here.  

Unfortunately, there are no 100% effective Telogen Effluvium treatments. If you are on medication for another issue or illness, we would advise that you visit your GP to discuss an alternative course of action or medication. They may also be able to prescribe medical treatments to stimulate your hair growth. Whilst you are waiting for your new hair growth, your Rituals Hair Lab hair loss specialist may be able to offer you hair loss treatments such as scalp microdermabrasion, nutritional advice, hair extensions, wigs or hair pieces.

Once the cause of your Telogen Effluvium hair loss has been established, many people will find that the hair grows back within 6-9 months. It is important to remember that Telogen Effluvium hair loss is mostly temporary and once your trigger or triggers have been identified, it is easily rectified.

The Signs of Telogen Effluvium Recovery

When you are suffering from hair loss, you may feel like it will last forever and it is easy to feel down when your hair is shedding in the shower, while you sleep and when you brush. However, when you start to see the recovery signs, you will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel! The top recovery signs of Telogen Effluvium hair loss to look out for are:

Less Hair Shedding

Typically, you will start to notice Telogen Effluvium hair loss around 2 to 4 months after a triggering event. Your hair will start to shed more than usual and last longer than the normal shedding cycle. However, if you have resolved the cause of the trigger, the excessive shredding should only last up to 6 months. If you notice your hair is a little thicker (and less clumps coming out when brushing or in the shower) you may be well on your way to recovery.

Not sure what is causing your hair loss? Book a consultation with the hair loss specialists at Rituals Hair Lab near Lincoln.

You Feel Less Stressed

Stress is one of the most common causes of Telogen Effluvium. Hair loss due to stress can cause a vicious cycle effect, as losing your hair is very stressful alone! Whether this is from a traumatic event or an ongoing anxiety issue, we advise you seek counselling or another form of support to help you through tough times. Mediation, a healthy diet, exercise and more sleep may also help you feel less stressed. After 3- 6 months of effective stress management, you may find your hair starting to grow back.

You Feel Healthier

Telogen Effluvium hair loss can also be directly linked to poor health. This may be due to:

✓ a symptom or change in medication
✓ a reaction to an underlying condition (such as autoimmune disease, or a thyroid issue)
✓ an unbalanced diet

A lack of protein or iron may contribute or even be the direct cause of your hair loss. If you have been following a balanced diet of protein and iron-rich foods, such as eggs, fish and dark green vegetables, since your diagnosis then you may be feeling a spring in your step and more volume in your hair. Dietary supplements can be a great help if you are suffering from a vitamin deficiency. Be sure to book a consultation with our dietitian, Gurpreet Mann  MSc RD, who can help devise a balanced nutritional plan to help you look and feel healthier. 

New Hair Growth

This may seem rather obvious, but hair re-growth is a clear sign of hair loss recovery which can go unmissed. Telogen Effluvium hair loss may be more severe in some areas of the scalp than others. Commonly, it causes more hair loss on the top of the scalp. After 3- 6 months of shedding, check for signs of hair regrowth on the top of your hairline. Use a mirror or ask a loved one to help if you have difficulty seeing hair regrowth on the crown of your head. 

Book a Hair Loss Consultation at Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough

Our highly qualified and experienced hair loss experts can help with the diagnosis and treatment of your hair loss. Book a consultation today by calling 01724 76441. Alternatively, you can request a consultation by completing the form below.