What should you know about reversing telogen effluvium?

Telogen effluvium presents with diffuse hair shedding rather than a single smooth bald patch. More hairs than usual enter the resting phase after a trigger such as fever, illness, surgery, emotional strain, rapid weight change or a major dietary restriction. Shedding may become noticeable after the original event, so the cause is not always obvious. A clinician also checks for thyroid disease, iron deficiency, medication effects and other forms of hair loss that can coexist.

Tell your clinician about illnesses, operations, stress, diet changes and new medicines from the preceding months. Eat regular meals with adequate protein and avoid crash diets; supplements should follow a demonstrated need because excess doses can be harmful. Handle hair gently, limit tight hairstyles and reduce harsh chemical or heat exposure while the scalp is shedding. Hair supplement therapy, topical minoxidil or PRP for hair loss may be discussed in selected situations, but none replaces evaluation of the trigger.

Arrange an assessment for sudden heavy shedding, patchy loss, scalp pain, marked scale, pus, sores or eyebrow loss. Seek review when shedding continues, worsens or is accompanied by fatigue, weight change, menstrual changes or other illness symptoms. Urgent care is appropriate for severe illness or an allergic reaction to a medicine.

What trigger fits my timing? Do I need blood tests for iron or thyroid function? Is this only telogen effluvium, or is another pattern present? Which treatment is appropriate for my scalp and health history?