Telogen effluvium is a process of accelerated hair loss that can be triggered by any physically or emotionally stressful event. This could be an illness, surgery, significant dietary changes, physical or emotional trauma, and childbirth). It is usually temporary and occurs a few months after the triggering event. Postpartum telogen effluvium is actually not well studied in the medical literature, but it’s thought to be due to changes in estrogen levels during and after pregnancy that affect the phases of hair growth.
Why does Telogen effluvium happen?
The idea is that during pregnancy, the rising levels of estrogen and progesterone make hair stay in the anagen or growth phase longer. Some may notice thicker or more full hair during pregnancy. Then after delivery, when estrogen levels drop, more hair shifts to the telogen or resting phase. During the telogen phase, the hair shaft matures and then is shed about 3 months later. With a higher portion of hair shifting into the telogen phase after delivery, proportionally more hair is lost 3-6 months later. Some postpartum people notice this significantly and some don’t.
Common triggers for telogen effluvium include childbirth, major surgery, severe illness, extreme stress, sudden weight loss, hormonal changes, or certain medications.
Is this permanent?
The good news is that it’s usually temporary and evens out on its own within another 6-12 months. So, Telogen effluvium is usually reversible once the underlying cause is addressed, and the hair growth cycle returns to normal.
How do you treat Telogen effluvium?
Usually the best treatment is time. Some have suggested that topical minoxidil may help. In general, avoid oral minoxidil during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Most oral supplements are unlikely to have a noticeable benefit. Some have suggested newer supplements such as Nutrafol and Viviscal, could have some positive effect, however, I would discuss with your dermatologist to see if they feel the data really supports the expense. My personal feeling is they are too expensive for something that I know will improve with time.
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