What is telogen effluvium? Does it have a treatment?
By Prof. Dr. Soner Tatlidede 2020-10-28
Telogen effluvium is a type of alopecia temporarily triggered by alterations in hair growth cycles as a result of a trauma to the body, serious illnesses, stress, diet deficiencies, etc. Hair loss due to telogen effluvium may last from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on the cause generating it.
Many people looking for information on the cost of a hair transplant in Turkey do it so after suffering sudden and seemingly inexplicable hair loss, often caused by telogen effluvium. However, unlike male pattern baldness - the most common cause of baldness - hair regrowth after telogen effluvium is possible... Let's see why.
What is chronic telogen effluvium?
This type of alopecia can be divided mainly in two types: one is acute telogen effluvium, where there is abundant and unusual hair loss for a limited period of time, usually 2-3 months; and the other is chronic telogen effluvium, in which hair loss lasts for many months or even years. Both acute and chronic telogen effluvium are reversible: that is, hair can be recovered again.
Telogen effluvium normally appears in young women, associated with hormonal problems, pregnancy, thyroid diseases, lack of B12 and D vitamins, stress, iron deficiency... Although less frequent, telogen effluvium in males or at older ages is also diagnosed; however telogen effluvium causes in men are different, usually linked to mineral or vitamin deficiencies, or to stress.
The main difference with male pattern baldness is that in telogen effluvium hair loss is faster and more diffuse, affecting both the front and parietal (upper) area of the scalp, as well as the sides and the occipital area (back). The main symptom is that hair sheds in an abundant way, appearing numerous hairs or even complete strands on the pillow, shower, clothes, brush, an son on. This is quite alarming for those suffering from this condition.
How long does telogen effluvium last?
Telogen effluvium duration will depend on the causes that generate hair loss, the time it takes to diagnose, and the treatment. The main problem for the diagnosis is that, due to hair growth cycles themselves, since hair loss cause occurs and until hair abnormal shedding becomes evident, it can take a long time, up to 3 months. This implies that sometimes, the cause of telogen effluvium cannot be clearly established.
In cases of acute telogen effluvium (the most common), once diagnosed and treated in time, the process lasts just a few months and telogen effluvium recovery time is short; however, if hair loss persists for 6 months or more (it may last even years), then we are talking about chronic telogen effluvium, and the diagnosis and treatment is more difficult.
It is important to emphasize that this process is reversible, and that patients can recover their hair. The reason is simple: unlike male pattern baldness - where hair follicle is damaged and dies - in alopecia caused by telogen effluvium hair root is still alive, so once the cause that generates hair loss ceases, new hair will reborn, and in about 5-6 months hair will regain its normal appearance.
What is the treatment?
Despite difficulties for a proper diagnosis, big progress has being made in improving telogen effluvium cure, which is generally applied only in chronic cases. In addition to correcting possible vitamin or trace element deficiencies, or subjecting patients to therapies when the cause is stress, there are quite effective treatments for telogen effluvium that contribute to strengthen hair, prevent hair loss, and accelerate its growth.
One of these treatments is hair mesotherapy, which consists of practicing micro injections under scalp skin to inject micro doses of drugs, trace elements, vitamins, hormonal regulators, amino acids, vasodilators, etc. Telogen effluvium treatment with minoxidil or finasteride, or with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), also provides very good results.
All these treatments can help to correct the problems caused by telogen effluvium; however, it is important that after first symptoms we consult a trustworthy specialist capable of diagnosing the problem in time to avoid further damage to hair. At Clinicana we are specialists in all types of hair treatments, and the hair clinic best-valued by its own patients: take a look at their reviews on hair transplant in Turkey, and ask us for a free consultation now!
