What Is Telogen Effluvium?

Hair follicles move through growth and resting phases. A trigger can shift more follicles into the resting phase, followed by noticeable shedding later. You may see extra hair in the shower, on a pillow, or in a brush, with overall thinning rather than one sharply defined bald patch. A widening part can also make the change easier to notice.

The trigger may have happened weeks or months before the shedding became obvious, so a clinician may ask about fever, surgery, rapid weight change, new medicines, childbirth, diet, and emotional strain. Hair loss has other possible explanations, including alopecia areata, pattern hair loss, scalp ringworm, and traction alopecia.

Track when shedding started and whether it is diffuse or patchy. Use a gentle shampoo, avoid tight hairstyles and harsh chemical processing, and eat regular meals with adequate protein unless a clinician has advised a different diet. Do not start high-dose supplements without checking the ingredients and your health history.

A clinician can examine the scalp and review possible triggers. Treatment focuses on correcting an identified cause; some people may discuss topical minoxidil or other hair treatments, but the right choice depends on the diagnosis.

Arrange a medical assessment if shedding is sudden, persistent, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by scalp pain, scaling, redness, broken hairs, or smooth round patches. Seek urgent help for a rash with facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or feeling faint after a medicine.

Ask which recent event could have shifted the hair cycle, whether the scalp pattern suggests another condition, and whether any examination or blood testing is appropriate. You can also ask what timeline to expect and which treatments are suitable for your medicines and health conditions.