Telogen Effluvium: A Review

    Shashikant Malkud
    Image of study
    TLDR Hair loss from Telogen Effluvium usually gets better within 6 months after addressing the cause.
    The 2015 review article on Telogen Effluvium (TE) describes it as a common, non-scarring form of hair loss that usually occurs 3 months after a triggering event and lasts about 6 months, though it can persist longer in chronic cases. TE is characterized by a premature shift of hair follicles from the growth phase to the resting phase, leading to increased shedding. Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes through history, blood tests, and occasionally scalp biopsy. There are no specific FDA-approved treatments for TE, but addressing underlying causes is key, and hair regrowth is expected within 3-6 months after eliminating the trigger. Iron supplementation and a balanced diet may be beneficial, but the effectiveness of vitamins and other treatments like minoxidil is not well-established. Counseling patients on the natural progression of TE is considered the best approach.
    View this study on jcdr.net →

    Cited in this study

      Diffuse hair loss: Its triggers and management

      research Diffuse hair loss: Its triggers and management

      88 citations ,   June 2009 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”
      To manage diffuse hair loss, identify the cause, improve nutrition, remove triggers, and use specific treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.
      Hair evaluation methods: Merits and demerits

      research Hair evaluation methods: Merits and demerits

      91 citations ,   January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”
      Different hair evaluation methods have their own pros and cons, and using multiple methods together is best for accurate hair loss diagnosis and tracking.
      Female pattern hair loss: current treatment concepts.

      research Female pattern hair loss: current treatment concepts.

      50 citations ,   January 2007 in “PubMed”
      Minoxidil 2% and 5% are common treatments for female pattern hair loss, with other options including anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, and hair transplantation.
      Telogen effluvium

      research Telogen effluvium

      144 citations ,   July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”
      Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that can resolve on its own or become chronic, with treatment depending on early diagnosis.
      Shedding: How to manage a common cause of hair loss

      research Shedding: How to manage a common cause of hair loss

      34 citations ,   March 2001 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”
      Manage hair shedding by identifying triggers, possibly using supplements or medications, and tracking with a health calendar.
      Study of diffuse alopecia in females.

      research Study of diffuse alopecia in females.

      9 citations ,   March 2000 in “PubMed”
      Most women in the study lost hair due to stress, fever, childbirth, surgery, or thyroid issues, with low hemoglobin levels also common.
      The Biology of Hair Follicles

      research The Biology of Hair Follicles

      1113 citations ,   August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”
      Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.
      Diffuse hair loss

      research Diffuse hair loss

      83 citations ,   May 1999 in “International Journal of Dermatology”
      Hair loss that spreads out can often fix itself or be treated by finding and handling the cause.
      CHRONIC TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM

      research CHRONIC TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM

      75 citations ,   October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”
      Chronic Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss condition in middle-aged women that usually doesn't lead to complete baldness.