Understanding

Telogen Effluvium

Managing Temporary Hair Shedding

Wig Medical provides personal telehealth sessions with a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist to help you manage Telogen Effluvium and reach your hair goals.

GET STARTED TODAY

What is Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of hair, typically occurring several months after a triggering event such as stress, illness, or hormonal changes. 

 

While this condition can be distressing, understanding its causes, symptoms, and management strategies is essential for effectively coping with the condition. 

We Work with Your Insurance

Most of our clients who need a medical wig or hair prosthetic are covered by insurance.

See if you're covered

Hair Shedding and Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is often mistaken for alopecia areata. However, the two conditions are different. 

 

Telogen effluvium usually occurs just at the top of the scalp and is typically triggered by a traumatic event. Chronic Telogen effluvium refers to a period where there is frequent shedding over several months. Although the condition can be shocking and come on suddenly, it is typically reversible.

 

Individuals experiencing the condition may not notice all their hair falling out, but may notice their hair becoming more noticeably thinner. This is due to their anagen phase slowing down, which means fewer hairs enter the catagen and telogen phases. 

 

Due to this, individuals will experience hair shedding.

“The Wig Medical team of Cranial Prosthesis Specialists are dedicated to helping solve your hair loss challenges.”

BOOK APPOINTMENT

Causes of Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle. 

 

This disruption to the normal hair growth process can be triggered by a variety of factors. 

Stress

Physical or emotional stressors such as illness, surgery, childbirth, or psychological stress can induce telogen effluvium by disrupting the body's hormonal balance.

Illness or Surgery

Serious illnesses, chronic diseases, or major surgical procedures can shock the body and trigger temporary hair shedding.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can contribute to telogen effluvium.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly iron, vitamin D, and biotin, can impact hair growth and contribute to telogen effluvium.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosing telogen effluvium involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests such as blood tests to assess hormone levels and nutritional status. 

 

Dermatologists or trichologists are specialized healthcare professionals who can accurately diagnose telogen effluvium, as well as provide personalized treatment recommendations based on the underlying cause.

Telogen Effluvium FAQs

What's the Definition of Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen Effluvium is a scalp disorder characterized by the thinning or shedding of hair resulting from the early entry of hair in the telogen phase — the resting phase of the hair follicle. 

 

Unlike other forms of hair loss, TE affects the top of the scalp most and is usually temporary. It can be triggered by various factors such as severe stress, major surgery, significant illness, nutritional deficiencies, or extreme weight loss.

How does Telogen Effluvium differ from other forms of hair loss?

The primary difference between TE and other forms of hair loss, like Androgenetic Alopecia, lies in its temporariness and the distribution of hair loss. 

 

TE typically results in diffuse hair thinning across the entire scalp without receding the hairline, unlike pattern baldness which affects specific areas more prominently. 

 

Additionally, TE does not destroy hair follicles; it merely shifts more hairs into the resting phase, leading to increased shedding and thinning.

What are the symptoms of Telogen Effluvium?

The most noticeable symptom of TE is an increase in hair shedding. Individuals may observe a larger amount of hair falling out during washing, brushing, or with gentle tugging. 

 

This shedding is more uniform across the scalp rather than patchy or localized. 

 

Some people might also notice a decrease in hair volume or a feeling of their hair not being as dense as before.

How is Telogen Effluvium diagnosed?

Diagnosis of TE primarily involves a thorough medical history and physical examination of the hair and scalp by a healthcare professional. 

 

A pull test might be conducted, where gentle traction is applied to a section of hair to see how many hairs are easily shed. 

 

Blood tests are often recommended to rule out underlying issues like thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances that could contribute to hair loss.

What are the treatment options for Telogen Effluvium?

The key to treating TE is identifying and addressing the underlying cause(s). 

 

Once the stressor or the condition triggering the hair loss is managed, hair usually regrows on its own within 6 to 9 months.

Treatment and Management Strategies

While telogen effluvium often resolves on its own without medical intervention, certain strategies can help manage symptoms and promote healthy hair growth.

 

Address Underlying Causes: Identifying and addressing any underlying factors contributing to telogen effluvium, such as stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies, is essential for resolving the condition.

 

Nutritional Supplements: Supplementing with essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, and biotin may help support hair health and growth.

 

Stress Management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or relaxation exercises can help minimize the impact of stress on hair shedding.

Comprehensive Cranial Prosthetic Services at Wig Medical

Our Wig Medical team is dedicated to guiding you through the process of finding the perfect cranial prosthetic solution, ensuring comfort, confidence, and peace of mind. 

 

Whether you're navigating insurance coverage or seeking specialized assistance, we're here to support you every step of the way.

 

Contact our professional team today to discover your personalized solutions! 

Take your next step towards getting help!

Let us help you with your Telogen Effluvium challenges.

Contact Info

Contact Information

Fill up the form and our Team will get back to you within 24 hours

404 - 851 - 0090

service@wigmedical.com

Name

NAME

Email

Email

Phone

MESSAGE

MESSAGE

FIRST NAME

NAME

LAST NAME

Email

MESSAGE

Phone Number

How Can We Help?

Does My Insurance Cover a Medical Wig or Cranial Prosthesis?

The Wig Medical team will contact your medical insurance provider directly to determine whether you have coverage for a cranial prosthesis. Don't worry; we can explore other options if not.

Find Out Today!