What is Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen Effluvium is a condition that is characterized by a general thinning or shedding of hair over a period of months.

It is found most commonly in those who have recently experienced trauma and is directly related to the normal cycles of hair growth. Common causes include childbirth, chemotherapy, major surgery, severe illness and psychological stress.

To fully understand the nature of Telogen Effluvium we need to remind ourselves that the normal hair growth cycle is characterized by three main stages:

1. Anagen stage - this is a fixed phase of growing that usually lasts between two and seven years. The average rate of growth is about six inches (15cm) per year with all hairs growing at roughly the same rate, depending on one's age, health and genetic make-up.

2. Catagen stage - this is a phase of transition lasting for roughly two to four weeks. At this time the hair shaft becomes detached from the dermal papilla and moves upward within a contracting follicle.

3. Telogen stage - this resting period lasts about three months allowing the hair to detach itself from the follicle prior to falling out. At this point the cycle repeats itself.

The shedding of hairs is therefore a natural process with anything from 100 to 300 hairs randomly shed from the scalp each day. Telogen Effluvium occurs when large numbers of hairs are prematurely pushed from the growth (anagen) phase into the resting (telogen) phase. These telogen hairs are only loosely attached at the roots and therefore fall off easily.

The good news is that this abnormal growth behavior is temporary and totally reversible.

Diagnosis of Telogen Effluvium

To determine whether you are experiencing Telogen Effluvium it is necessary to:

1. Review the type of hair loss suffered - it usually takes the form of rapid thinning throughout the scalp.

2. Review your life over the past 6 months - typically some sort of traumatic event will have occurred.

3. Undergo a Hormone Test - to rule out the possibility of Androgenetic Alopecia or other hormonal abnormalities.

Treatments for Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium typically reverses itself as the effects of the trauma previously experienced no longer exist. While there are no treatments specifically related to the condition, the following products have been shown to stimulate growth and may help to speed up the regrowth process:

Minoxidil

Tricomin Therapy Spray