Telogen Effluvium (Hair Shedding)

We typically lose between 30 -150 hairs a day as part of our natural hair cycle. However, certain triggers, such as childbirth, a severe trauma, rapid weight loss, or a viral infection can disrupt this cycle and lead to increased hair shedding. 

When this happens some of your hair may stop growing and go into its resting phase - also known as telogen - which lasts around three months. The affected hairs will then shed at the same time, leading to noticeably thinner hair, usually all over your scalp. You may notice more of your hair falling out, especially after brushing or on your pillow.

We understand how this can be hugely distressing, but in most cases, once the underlying causes have been resolved, your hair should gradually return to its original growth pattern within a few months. Because the condition is often temporary, hair shedding treatment may not always be needed, but it’s best to seek an expert diagnosis if your symptoms continue.

Telogen effluvium can be triggered by a number of different factors, at any age, including:

• Childbirth
• Severe physical trauma, such as a car crash, or having major surgery
• A stressful life event such as divorce or the death of someone close to you
• Sudden weight loss or extreme dieting
• Starting a new medication, including some anti-depressants
• Certain oral contraceptives
• Nutritional deficiencies, for example iron, zinc or vitamin B-6 and B-12

Telogen effluvium is not a hereditary condition. 

Hair loss can have complex causes and women sometimes find it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis from their GP. Our specialist, Dr Nicola Clayton is a renowned Consultant Dermatologist and highly experienced in diagnosing the reasons for your hair loss. She will examine your hair and scalp and take a full medical history. Telogen effluvium can usually be diagnosed from your pattern of hair loss and careful examination of the scalp using an instrument called a dermatoscope.

Nicola will also spend time discussing any lifestyle and emotional factors which may be causing the problem. It is important to pinpoint why exactly your hair may be falling out, and blood tests may be ordered to rule out other causes of hair loss, such as a thyroid disorder or other hormonal imbalances. If needed, she will work with you to find the telogen effluvium treatment plan that feels right for you.

Hair loss caused by telogen effluvium is temporary and, in most cases, resolves completely, without any need for treatment. Once the affected hair has fallen out, it will grow back as normal, usually over a period of several months. It may take up to a year for your hair to return to its full thickness and volume.

It is important, however, to understand the underlying causes of your hair loss and to make sure they are addressed, otherwise the problem can recur. Telogen effluvium can become a long-term condition and is known as chronic telogen effluvium if it lasts for longer than six months.

Our women’s hair loss specialist, Dr Nicola Clayton, is dedicated to finding effective ways to manage any underlying conditions that may have triggered your hair loss. This means considering psychological, hormonal, and nutritional factors. Taking an integrated approach, she works alongside a highly specialised multidisciplinary team, including Consultant Gynaecologists and a dedicated Consultant Endocrinologist, to create a telogen effluvium treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

Telogen effluvium is usually temporary, and in most cases your hair will grow back normally within a few months, once the underlying issues have been addressed. Most women find that their hair begins to grow back after 3-6 months, though depending on your type and length of hair, it may take several months for your hair to return to its original fullness.