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Stress affects daily life. It disrupts focus, triggers fatigue, and impacts decision-making, which then leads to emotional strain and hinders overall well-being.

Telogen Effluvium or TE is a condition where significant stress disturbs the normal hair growth cycle, resulting in excessive shedding or hair loss. This condition can be distressing making it a cyclic problem, but it is usually reversible once the underlying stress is managed.

Hair undergoes a continuous cycle consisting of growth, transition, resting, and shedding phases. In scientific terms, these are called the anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases, respectively. Around 85 to 90 percent of scalp hair is in the growth phase at any given time, while the remaining follicles are in the resting phase. Stress can disrupt this cycle.

Various stressors can cause Telogen Effluvium. These include physical trauma like surgery, sudden weight loss, chronic illness, emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, or certain medications. These stressors can shift more hair follicles into the telogen or resting phase prematurely, causing increased hair shedding.

Symptoms of TE

The primary symptom of Telogen Effluvium is excessive hair shedding. People may notice more hair fall while washing or combing their hair, leading to thinner hair density. Unlike some other types of hair loss, TE typically affects the entire scalp uniformly.

A healthcare professional can diagnose TE based on medical history, physical examination, and sometimes blood tests to rule out underlying conditions. Fortunately, in most cases, managing the underlying stress or triggering factor can help resolve Telogen Effluvium.

Management and recovery

Managing stress is crucial in addressing TE. Techniques like mindfulness, exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can aid in stress reduction. Additionally, adopting a gentle hair care routine and avoiding harsh styling practices can prevent further damage to fragile hair.

The prognosis for Telogen Effluvium is generally positive. Once the stressor is resolved or managed, most individuals experience hair regrowth within a few months. However, in some cases, the condition may persist, requiring further evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional.