Telogen Effluvium: What It Is and How to Deal With It

If you’ve noticed more hair on your pillow or in the shower lately, chances are you’re dealing with telogen effluvium. It’s a type of temporary hair loss that many people experience after a big change – like a stressful event, illness, or a new medication. The good news? It usually clears up on its own once the trigger is removed.

What Triggers Telogen Effluvium?

The hair growth cycle has three phases: growing (anagen), resting (telogen), and shedding (exogen). In telogen effluvium, more hairs than normal jump into the resting phase at once. Common triggers include:

• Stress: Physical or emotional stress can shock your follicles.
• Illness or surgery: Fever, infections, and major operations push hair into telogen.
• Hormonal shifts: Pregnancy, birth control changes, or thyroid issues matter.
• Medications: Some antidepressants, blood thinners, and retinoids can cause shedding.
• Nutrient gaps: Low iron, protein, or vitamin D levels may tip the balance.

The shedding usually starts 2‑4 months after the trigger, which is why you might not connect the dots right away. It’s also worth noting that telogen effluvium isn’t permanent – most people see hair regrow within six to nine months once the cause is addressed.

How to Manage and Recover

The first step is figuring out what set it off. Talk to your doctor about recent illnesses, medications, or major life changes. Blood tests can check for iron deficiency, thyroid problems, or other hidden issues.

While you’re sorting that out, there are a few practical things you can do to support hair growth:

• Eat a balanced diet: Include lean protein, leafy greens, nuts, and fish. These foods supply the building blocks for healthy hair.
• Stay hydrated: Water helps deliver nutrients to your scalp.
• Gentle hair care: Skip tight ponytails, harsh chemicals, and heat styling that can add extra stress.
• Stress management: Try short walks, breathing exercises, or a hobby you enjoy. Lowering cortisol levels gives follicles a break.

If you’re missing iron, your doctor may prescribe supplements. Vitamin D drops are another easy fix if levels are low. Remember to follow dosing instructions – more isn’t always better.

For many people, simply removing the trigger and giving the body time does the trick. If shedding continues beyond six months or looks severe, a dermatologist can explore other causes like alopecia areata or scalp conditions.

Bottom line: telogen effluvium is usually a temporary response to stressors you’ve faced. Identify the cause, nourish your body, and be patient – your hair will likely bounce back without any drastic treatment.