Is Tellogen Effluvium Reversible?

 

Tellogen Effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss which happened due to stress, shock or a trauma. It generally occurs on the top of the scalp. This form of hair loss is different from androgenic alopecia though the hair loss happens in the same region. In this article you will get a detailed idea about telogen effluvium from the best hair transplant clinic in Kolkata.

 

How is Telogen Effluvium defined?

If an individual experiences period of hair shedding for 6 months or more it might be the case of chronic telogen effluvium. In this condition the person lose their but it is reversible. Also their hair starts to become noticeably thin. It happens more in women which get triggered by the disturbance in hair cycle.

 

The hair cycle has three phases:

Anagen Phase

Catagen Phase

Telogen Phase

Telogen effluvium is associated with the telogen phase. Normally, 5-10% of a person’s hair is in the telogen phase at any one time.

With telogen effluvium, the anagen phase slows down, meaning that fewer hairs enter the next two stages. With this condition, around 30% of hair follicles move into the telogen phase, which means that hair shedding occurs.

 

SYMPTOMS & CAUSE:

The biggest symptom of telogen effluvium is shedding of hair suddenly. You may notice that there are more than usual hair strands in the pillow or drain.

Now disturbance in hair cycle can be caused by a various factors:

Severe stress. Prolonged periods of stress can result in telogen effluvium. Hair loss typically occurs about 3months after the stressful event.

Poor diet. Hair requires key nutrients including protein, iron, B-vitamins, and zinc to grow. A shortage of these nutrients may affect the quality and quantity of a person’s hair.

Sudden weight loss. Weight loss or chronic calorie restriction, such as in anorexia nervosa, can cause the hair to shed.

Pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy, more hair is in the growth phase for longer. Hormonal changes that occur 3 to 6 months after birth can cause hair to shed. This is called post-partum telogen effluvium.

Menopause. Hormonal changes that occur during the menopause may also cause telogen effluvium.

Certain drugs. Certain medications and recreational drugs can cause hair loss.

Underlying health conditions. These can include autoimmune disease, conditions that affect the thyroid gland, and alopecia areata.

Surgery. Depending on the type of procedure, length of stay in hospital, medications, and overall nutritional status.

Metal toxicity. Contact with toxic chemicals in metal can lead to hair loss.

 

Treatment:

Since hair loss due to telogen effluvium is temporary, as soon as the treatment for the cause of hair loss gets started (be it stress or trauma) the hair loss eventually stops and the hair cycle comes to its normal phase and hair regrowth starts.

Treatment options include:

addressing nutritional deficiencies through diet

non-surgical hair replacement

hormone replacement therapy for people experiencing menopause

counselling support to manage stress or anxiety

An individual suffering from hair loss should try to avoid all sorts of chemical and heat treatment like the usage of blow dryer, straightener, curler or any form of hair styling products.

Dietary consideration includes:

Protein based food as the hair components are mainly made up of protein. Hence in-taking protein in the diet will help in regrowth of hair

Iron deficiency may lead to telogen effluvium. Iron-rich food will help the hair to grow faster.

Supplementation can be considered for a temporary period of time.

 

Conclusion:

From the above it is quite evident that telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss and nothing like androgenic alopecia. Getting diagnosed with a temporary form of hair loss is much better than its permanent counter parts. If you notice the symptoms of this form hair loss visit a physician as soon as possible.