Telogen effluvium

What it is

A sudden increase in shedding that happens when a stressor pushes many hairs into the resting (telogen) phase at once. Shedding typically starts 2–3 months after the trigger.

Who gets it

Anyone, after illness, high fever, surgery, childbirth, crash dieting, major stress or some medications.

Signs to look for

• Handfuls of hair in the shower or on the brush
• Overall thinning rather than bald spots
• Hairs with a small white bulb at the root
• Onset roughly 2–3 months after a trigger

Common causes and triggers

• Fever, infection (including COVID-19)
• Childbirth
• Rapid weight loss or low protein/iron
• Starting or stopping certain medications
• Severe emotional stress

How it is diagnosed

• History of a trigger
• Gentle hair-pull test
• Blood tests for iron (ferritin), thyroid, vitamin D

Treatment and care options

These are the options commonly discussed. What suits you depends on your diagnosis — a dermatologist can help you choose.

• Remove or treat the trigger
• Balanced diet with enough protein and iron
• Patience — regrowth usually follows
• Minoxidil is sometimes used to support regrowth

Outlook

Most acute cases settle within 6–9 months. Chronic cases lasting longer than 6 months deserve a medical check.

When to see a doctor

If shedding lasts more than 6 months, or you notice bald patches, scalp symptoms or other health changes.