Telogen Effluvium: A Review

January 2015 in “ Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research ”

Shashikant Malkud

Telogen Effluvium hair loss non-scarring hair follicles growth phase resting phase shedding scalp biopsy iron supplementation balanced diet vitamins minoxidil TE Rogaine

Studysummary This review discusses the various triggers and diagnostic challenges in determining the cause of telogen effluvium-related hair loss, without providing new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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 →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

research Study of Diffuse Alopecia in Females

9 citations , October 2012 in “PubMed”

This study observed that telogen effluvium was the most common pattern of diffuse hair loss among 100 female patients, often associated with factors like stress and fever.

research Diffuse Hair Loss: Its Triggers and Management

88 citations , June 2009 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”

This article reviews various causes of diffuse hair loss, highlighting the importance of identifying triggers through thorough examination for effective treatment and emphasizing patient education in management; it reports no new clinical findings.

research Diffuse Hair Loss in an Adult Female: Approach to Diagnosis and Management

70 citations , January 2009 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This article reviews the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of different types of diffuse alopecia in women and provides no original research findings.

research Hair Evaluation Methods: Merits and Demerits

91 citations , January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This review discusses the advantages and limitations of various hair loss evaluation methods but reports no new results; it emphasizes the importance of cautious interpretation for these diagnostic tools.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: Current Treatment Concepts

50 citations , January 2007 in “PubMed”

This review discusses female pattern hair loss, highlighting that while oral antiandrogens and topical minoxidil can arrest progression, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and stresses the need for ongoing therapy.

research The Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Its Potential Relationship to Hair Loss

207 citations , April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating iron deficiency related to nutritional anemia and hair loss, concluding that routine screening and supplementation for hair loss are not yet supported by sufficient evidence.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

163 citations , November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata have significantly lower serum ferritin levels than those without hair loss, suggesting a potential link between these types of alopecia and decreased iron stores.

research Approach to the Adult Female Patient with Diffuse Nonscarring Alopecia

67 citations , November 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses diagnostic approaches for women with diffuse, nonscarring hair loss and reports no new clinical results.

research There Is No Clear Association Between Low Serum Ferritin And Chronic Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss

83 citations , November 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found no direct relationship between low serum ferritin and chronic diffuse telogen hair loss in women, questioning the usefulness of serum ferritin measurement and iron supplementation for managing this condition.

research Telogen Effluvium: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

144 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This article reviews the concept of telogen effluvium and emphasizes the importance of identifying triggers and using diagnostic investigations to determine the cause of hair loss, without reporting new results.

research Shedding: How to Manage a Common Cause of Hair Loss

34 citations , March 2001 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”

This article reviews the triggers, diagnosis, and management of telogen effluvium in men and women, emphasizing the role of patient education and reassurance, but presents no new clinical findings.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

This article discusses the biologic and psychosocial significance of hair, the current limitations in hair growth drugs, and anticipates future therapies based on advancing hair follicle research.

research Diffuse Hair Loss: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium

75 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This review examines chronic telogen effluvium, highlighting its distinctive features and the need for reassurance about its non-progressive nature, but reports no new clinical results.