Telogen effluvium is a common cause of hair loss and usually occurs when the body's hair growth cycle undergoes an abnormal change in response to a stress factor.
Causes of telogen effluvium:
Stress: Physical or emotional stress can affect the hair cycle.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes such as childbirth, menopause or hormone treatments can cause telogen effluvium. Hair loss is also commonly seen during breastfeeding.
Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies particularly in iron, zinc and protein can lead to hair loss.
Overly restrictive diets: Overly restrictive, unbalanced diets, rapid weight loss and bariatric surgery can cause hair loss.
Medications: Certain medications can cause hair loss.
Certain conditions: Thyroid problems, serious infections (such as COVID) or chronic conditions can cause hair loss.
For a patient presenting with hair loss, the type of hair loss is identified first. Possible causes are then investigated. Deficiencies are supplemented, and any hormonal imbalances are investigated and treated. Depending on the severity of the hair loss, oral/topical support, PRP, mesotherapy, microneedling, laser and light treatments can be used.