How is telogen effluvium treated?

Telogen effluvium is a shift in the hair cycle that can follow illness, emotional or physical stress, major weight change, childbirth, surgery, or a dietary shortfall. Shedding often becomes noticeable after the trigger rather than immediately. A clinician examines the scalp and reviews recent events, medicines and diet. Testing may be considered when symptoms suggest thyroid disease, iron deficiency or [Nutritional Hair Loss](/conditions/nutritional-hair-loss/). See [Telogen Effluvium](/conditions/telogen-effluvium/) for the pattern.

Treatment starts with the underlying trigger: improve dietary intake when a deficiency is confirmed, manage an ongoing illness, and review medicines with the prescribing clinician. Eat regular meals containing adequate protein and avoid crash dieting. Handle wet hair gently, limit tight styles and harsh chemical processing, and use a mild shampoo. [Hair Supplement Therapy](/treatments/hair-restoration/hair-supplement-therapy/) should be guided by a clinician because unnecessary supplements can be harmful. [Topical Minoxidil](/treatments/hair-restoration/topical-minoxidil/) or [PRP For Hair Loss](/treatments/hair-restoration/prp-hair-treatment/) may be discussed when shedding persists or another hair condition is present; they do not replace finding the trigger.

Book a dermatology review for sudden or ongoing [Hair Loss](/symptoms/hair-loss/), visible [Thinning Hair](/symptoms/hair-thinning/), scalp pain, scaling, itching, broken hairs, bald patches, or eyebrow loss. Seek prompt care when shedding follows severe illness, restrictive eating, heavy bleeding or a new medicine. Rapid worsening or a scarred-looking scalp needs assessment because another condition may be involved.

Ask which recent event could have shifted the hair cycle, whether blood tests are appropriate, and how to distinguish shedding from pattern hair loss. Ask when to review progress and whether a treatment is suitable for your scalp.