Ever looked at your hairbrush and wondered why it’s suddenly holding onto so much of your hair? Or maybe your ponytail feels thinner than usual? You could be experiencing telogen effluvium, a common type of hair loss that often appears out of the blue.

While sudden hair loss can be shocking, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for telogen effluvium can empower you to take control and regain healthy hair.

What is Telogen Effluvium?

Think of your hair like a garden. Each hair grows from a tiny seed (a follicle) and goes through a cycle of growing, resting, and shedding. Telogen effluvium happens when something throws off this cycle, causing more hairs than usual to enter the “resting” (telogen) phase and fall out.

There are two main types of telogen effluvium:

• Acute telogen effluvium: The most common type, typically occurring within a few months of a triggering event. The hair shedding usually resolves within six months as stress levels drop.
• Chronic telogen effluvium: This type lasts six months or longer and can be more challenging to treat. For example, post-pregnancy hair loss is a common form of chronic telogen effluvium in females.
  

Unlike other hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia or advanced traction alopecia that are permanent, telogen effluvium is typically temporary and can be treated over time.

What Causes Telogen Effluvium?

Many things can disrupt your hair’s natural cycle and lead to telogen effluvium. Common triggers include:

• Stress: Significant life events such as job loss, relationship issues, or a demanding work schedule can all affect your hair.
• Childbirth: Hormonal changes after pregnancy are a common cause of telogen effluvium in women.
• Illness and Medications: Severe illness, surgery, or a high fever can trigger it. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, and retinoids, can also cause hair shedding as a side effect.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Having insufficient levels of nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein can contribute to hair loss.
• Rapid Weight Loss: Crash diets or sudden weight loss can shock your system and affect your hair growth.

Recognising the Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium

The main symptom of telogen effluvium is usually increased hair shedding. Other signs to look out for include:

• Diffuse thinning: Hair loss is typically widespread across the scalp rather than concentrated in one area.
• Sudden onset: The increased hair shedding often occurs suddenly after a triggering event.
• No scalp abnormalities: Unlike other hair loss conditions, telogen effluvium usually doesn’t cause scalp inflammation, redness, or scaling.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Telogen Effluvium

If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, it’s best to consult a dermatologist or trichologist in Singapore for a proper diagnosis. They will typically conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and may perform a “pull test” to assess the extent of hair shedding.

Depending on the trigger for telogen effluvium, treatment approaches may include:

• Stress management: Techniques like exercise, meditation, and therapy can help manage stress levels.
• Nutritional support: Dietary changes or supplements for healthy hair can support hair regrowth.
• Medication adjustments: If a medication is suspected to be causing hair loss, your doctor may consider alternative options.
• Hair regrowth therapy: In some cases, treatments like Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) may be recommended to stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth.

We take a comprehensive approach to hair loss in Singapore at V Aesthetics Hair Grow. Our doctor-trained consultants will conduct a thorough scalp analysis to identify the underlying causes of your hair loss and recommend a personalised treatment plan. Our science-backed hair growth treatments include LLLT and specialised serums to address hair loss and promote healthy hair regrowth from multiple angles.

Contact us for a consultation if you’re concerned about excessive hair shedding. We can help you understand your condition, explore treatment options, and take the first step toward restoring your hair and confidence.