Telogen Effluvium Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Recovery Story

When Priya first came to see us, she had been shedding heavily for three months and was unsure why. We talked through everything that had been happening in her life at the time, including a particularly stressful period at work and a viral illness she had recovered from shortly before the shedding started.

Together, we created a simple, manageable plan to support her recovery. Within a short time, Priya noticed the shedding had started to slow. Read Priya's full recovery story.

What are the Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium?

When Telogen Effluvium develops, one of the first things you notice is more hair coming away than feels normal. It may show up on your clothes, in the shower, or simply when you run your hands through your hair. Unlike conditions that cause bald patches, Telogen Effluvium tends to cause a general, even reduction in density across the whole scalp.

You may also find:

• More hair coming away when brushing or washing
• Your parting appears a little wider due to reduced volume
• Short, fine hairs regrowing across the scalp

What Triggers Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen Effluvium usually develops around two to three months after your body has gone through a period of stress or change.

Emotional or psychological triggers

• Ongoing stress or anxiety
• Distressing news or bereavement
• Major life upheavals
• Exhaustion from taking care of others

Physical triggers

• Illness — particularly those involving a fever
• Viral infections
• Surgery or medical treatment
• Rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting
• Childbirth (postpartum hair loss)

Potential Long-Term Triggers

The following underlying conditions can cause an ongoing interruption of the hair growth cycle:

• Anaemia — symptoms include paleness, tiredness, fainting, breathlessness
• Low serum ferritin levels (tissue iron stores)
• Hypothyroidism or other thyroid disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin D, B12)

Telogen Effluvium vs Diffuse Thinning

Telogen Effluvium and Diffuse Thinning can look very similar, and it's completely understandable if you're not sure which one applies to you.

Short-term Telogen Effluvium usually appears two to three months after a trigger such as illness, stress, surgery, or childbirth. You may notice a sudden increase in daily shedding, hair coming out more easily when washing or brushing, and a healthy-looking scalp with no bald patches.

Diffuse Thinning (Chronic Telogen Effluvium) describes ongoing, long-term shedding rather than a short burst. Shedding may not fully settle over time, with a gradual reduction in overall volume and a widening parting or flatter hair on top.

If your shedding has continued for several months, or if you suspect there may be an underlying issue, we can help identify the cause and create a personalised treatment plan.

Why Are Pregnant Women More Susceptible to Telogen Effluvium?

While you are pregnant, higher levels of oestrogen keep hairs in the growth phase for longer. After childbirth, hormone levels gradually return to normal. As this happens, a larger number of hairs move into the resting and shedding phases at the same time, which can result in a noticeable increase in hair fall. The hair usually recovers well in the months following childbirth.

How Long Does Telogen Effluvium Last?

Shedding often begins two to three months after the event that caused it. The active phase of hair fall may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It can take several months for your hair to feel fuller again, as each new hair grows only about a centimetre a month. With the right support and treatment, most people see improvement within six to twelve months.