Telogen Effluvium: A Review

The 2019 review article on Telogen Effluvium (TE) summarized findings from 18 articles, highlighting TE as a common cause of hair loss, especially in females, with significant psychosocial effects. TE is characterized by an increased number of hairs entering the telogen phase, resulting in shedding. Diagnosis is challenging, and management is often unsatisfactory. Triggers include iron deficiency and thyroid imbalances, and management involves identifying and removing triggers, with hair regrowth taking up to 18 months. No FDA-approved treatments exist, and there is debate over the serum ferritin level indicating deficiency. Replacement therapy may correct hair loss from detectable deficiencies like low zinc. Psychological counseling is recommended for associated anxiety or depression, and while topical minoxidil may help, evidence for antioxidants or supplements like biotin is lacking. Oral minoxidil has shown potential in a retrospective study, but more research is needed. The approach to TE is typically observational, with further investigation for prolonged cases.