Have you noticed more hair than usual on your pillow or in your shower drain? If so, you might be experiencing telogen effluvium, a common form of hair loss. But don’t panic – it’s usually temporary.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss triggered by stress or a shock to the system. This stress can disrupt your hair growth cycle, prematurely pushing hairs from the active growth phase (anagen) into the resting phase (telogen). After a few months, these resting hairs shed, leading to noticeable hair thinning.
Symptoms to Watch For
Wondering if you have telogen effluvium? Here are some signs:
- Significant Hair Loss: While losing 50-100 hairs a day is normal, telogen effluvium can cause you to shed much more.
- Tender Scalp: You might feel pain or discomfort on your scalp, known as trichodynia.
- Diffuse Thinning: Unlike pattern baldness, which affects specific areas, telogen effluvium causes thinning all over your scalp.
Diagnosing Telogen Effluvium
A healthcare professional can diagnose telogen effluvium by examining your scalp and conducting a “hair pull test.” They might also ask about your diet, medical history, medications, and recent stressors. Sometimes, blood tests may be needed to rule out underlying medical issues like thyroid problems.
Common Causes
Various factors can trigger telogen effluvium:
- Medications: Certain drugs, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants, can lead to hair loss.
- Physical Stress: Significant events like major surgery, severe illness, or childbirth can push your hair into the telogen phase.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, Zinc, Iron, and Selenium, can affect hair growth.
- Medical Conditions: Diseases affecting nutrient absorption, like thyroid disorders, kidney disease, and liver failure, can cause hair loss.
- Emotional Stress: Traumatic events or chronic stress can also lead to telogen effluvium.
Note that hair loss due to the above factors is not due to poor eating for a short period or a few stressful days at work. It tends to be chronic or severe stress on the body that causes telogen effluvium.
Treatment and Recovery
The silver lining? Telogen effluvium often resolves on its own once the underlying cause is addressed. Here are some steps you can take to support hair recovery:
- Balanced Diet: Eat various vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats to get all the necessary nutrients. Supplements can help if you have specific deficiencies.
- Gentle Hair Care: Use quality hair care products and avoid harsh chemicals or tight hairstyles that strain your scalp.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Manage stress through meditation, exercise, or talking to a professional.
- Medication: A Harley doctor can prescribe a medication to speed up the recovery process from telogen effluvium. Certain medications can counteract hair loss by moving hair follicles from the resting phase back to the growth phase.
Prevention Tips
While you can’t always prevent telogen effluvium, you can reduce your risk:
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid crash diets.
- Address nutritional deficiencies with supplements.
- Practice healthy stress management.
- Manage medical conditions effectively.
- Treat illnesses and infections promptly.
Outlook
While losing clumps of hair can be distressing, telogen effluvium is usually temporary. Most people see their hair return to normal within a few months. However, seeking medical advice is crucial if hair loss persists beyond six months.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with hair loss can be challenging, but understanding telogen effluvium can help you manage it better. Remember, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you notice significant hair thinning or shedding. Harley can provide personalised advice and treatment options to help you regain your hair and confidence.
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