Telogen Effluvium: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Telogen Effluvium: When Hair Loss Becomes Noticeable
The scientific name for this type of diffuse hair shedding is telogen effluvium. It occurs when a large number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle, leading to increased hair loss. Normally, only about 5–10% of our hair is in this resting phase, while the rest continues to grow. When the natural cycle is disrupted, shedding becomes more visible and worrying.
What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium can be triggered by a variety of physical or emotional stresses that “reset” the biological clock of hair growth. Common causes include:
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The post-partum period (after childbirth)
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Thyroid disorders (hyper- or hypothyroidism)
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Low-protein or restrictive diets
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Iron deficiency
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Certain medications such as retinoids, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, or beta-blockers
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Periods of illness, surgery, or emotional stress
Typically, hair shedding begins 2 to 4 months after the triggering event. This delay occurs because each hair needs time to complete its telogen phase before falling out.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Telogen Effluvium
Hair thinning affects the entire scalp and sometimes other body areas such as the eyebrows, underarms, or pubic region. Patients often notice more hair on the pillow, in the shower, or on the brush.
Telogen effluvium is not a scarring condition and does not cause permanent baldness. In most cases, the hair naturally regrows within a few months once the triggering factor is resolved.
However, since other conditions — such as alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, frontal fibrosing alopecia, or Lichen Planopilaris — can present similarly, it is important to undergo a proper trichology evaluation and some basic blood tests (for thyroid function, ferritin, and general metabolism).
When to See a Specialist
If your hair shedding continues beyond six months, or if you’re unsure about the cause, it’s best to consult a dermatologist and trichologist.
At our clinic in Verona, Dr. Fabrizio Presta, dermatologist and trichology specialist, performs detailed scalp assessments to identify the cause of your hair loss and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment.
Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing persistent hair loss or diffuse thinning, don’t wait.
Book your trichology consultation in Verona with Dr. Fabrizio Presta and receive a professional evaluation to protect the health of your hair and scalp.
Trichology consultation with digital trichoscopy in Verona
At our medical clinic, you can book a trichology consultation in Verona with Dr. Fabrizio Presta. During the consultation, an innovative examination is performed: digital trichoscopy with videodermatoscope.
Thanks to the latest-generation technology, Fotofinder Universe 3, this device allows us to:
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Precisely assess the condition of the hair follicles
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Record detailed images of the scalp
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Monitor the progression of hair loss over time
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Produce the RFT (Trichological Photographic Report): a photographic documentation delivered to the patient, useful for tracking progress during therapy
Learn more about the main hair diseases
Find out more about the different types of alopecia and available treatments:
