Understanding Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a reactive process caused by a metabolic or hormonal stress or by medications. The disorder occurs when sudden or severe stress causes an increase in the shedding of the hair, and the stress causes hair roots to be pushed prematurely into the resting state. In other words, with telogen effluvium, a sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase. The hair then remains in the resting phase for approximately three months before a large amounts of hair are shed. The person involved might have recovered from the traumatic event before noticing any hair loss. Telogen effluvium can affect any body hair, but usually only affects hair on the scalp.
Telogen effluvium disproportionately affects women. This is because many women experience the disorder after childbirth. Some people experience TE after a death of a family member or someone close, an accident, abuse or any other severely traumatic event. Other common causes are high fevers, infections, chronic illness, psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications. Medications such as retinoids, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and NSAIDS (including ibuprofen) can also trigger the disorder. In most cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair soon recovers. In some cases where diffuse and sudden hair loss occurs, however, the hair loss might continue until the underlying cause is treated.
Do not hesitate and receive treatment today if you are experiencing symptoms of telogen effluvium. Contact the Dr. Umar at the Derm Hair Clinic to set up an appointment with a board certified hair surgeon. Call us at (310)318-1500, or go online for a free consultation.