At any given time, around 85- 90% of the hairs on the average person’s head are actively growing. This is called the anagen phase. The other 10-15% of the hairs are in the resting phase, otherwise known as the telogen phase. Hair is in the anagen phase for around 2-4 years before entering the resting phase for around 2-4 months, then shedding to make room for the new hair growth.
Telogen Effluvium symptoms
On average, we shed around 100 hairs every day. Telogen Effluvium sufferers will shed around 300 hairs a day due to an increased amount of hair (around 30%) going into the resting phase and then shedding. Your hair will feel thinner due the increased amount of shedding, and even though each hair is replaced with new hair, it can take months for it to grow significantly enough to contribute to the overall thickness of your hair. It may take several months to notice that your hair is thinning and when you do, it is vital that you seek professional help and advice from a hair loss specialist at a hair loss clinic.
Causes of Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium hair loss can be triggered for several reasons. We recommend a careful evaluation of possible triggers with a thorough hair loss consultation by a specialist at a hair loss clinic, such as the Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Bournemouth. There is a 95% chance of complete recovery from Telogen Effluvium hair loss when the triggers are identified and it rarely lasts longer than 6 months. Examples of some of the triggers of Telogen Effluvium hair loss are:
- Undergoing major surgery procedures
- A major physical trauma such as a sporting injury or car accident
- Major psychological stress such as divorce
- Illness, infection or a high fever
- Extreme weight loss through diet or illness
- An iron deficiency
- Abrupt hormonal changes such as childbirth & menopause
- Hypothyroidism
Most Telogen Effluvium hair loss cases can be diagnosed with a hair loss consultation where your medical history will be examined, as will your scalp and hair using a nioscope. Your hair loss specialist may order a blood test to be undertaken to check for thyroid abnormalities and iron deficiency.
Telogen Effluvium treatments
It is important to remember that we can do nothing to prevent the physical shock that can lead to Telogen Effluvium hair loss, however if something controllable such as a poor diet is the contributing factor you should make the necessary adjustments. The Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Bournemouth can find nutritionists to ensure that you have a balanced diet.
Unfortunately, there are no effective Telogen Effluvium treatments. If you are on medication for another issue or illness, then make an appointment with your doctor to discuss an alternative course of action or medication. If after time, your hair has not grown back to a satisfactory level your doctor could prescribe minoxidil, which when applied to the scalp may stimulate hair growth. If, in the interim of waiting for your hair to grow back your hair loss specialist may be able to offer you hair loss treatments such as scalp microdermabrasion’s, nutritional advice, hair extensions, wigs or hair pieces.
Once you have established the cause of your Telogen Effluvium hair loss most people will find that within 6-9 months their hair grows back. It is important to remember that Telogen Effluvium hair loss is mostly temporary, so once the trigger has been identified it should be easy to rectify.
For more information on Telogen Effluvium courses, treatments, or to book a hair loss consultation, please get in touch with the Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Bournemouth. Read more about Telogen Effluvium on the hair loss blog!
