“Is Stress Causing Your Hair Loss? Understanding Telogen Effluvium in Men and Women”
You finish a shower and see more hair near the drain than usual. Then you notice extra strands on your brush or pillow. It can feel scary, especially when you do not know why it is happening.
Stress can lead to extra hair shedding in men and women. One name for this is telogen effluvium (say “TEL-uh-jen eh-FLOO-vee-um”). Here is what it means and what to do next.
What Is Telogen Effluvium?
Your hair grows in cycles. At any time, some hairs are growing while others are resting before they shed. After a stressful event, more hairs than usual may move into the resting stage. Later, those hairs fall out.
That is why the shedding often starts a few months after the event. You may have moved past a hard time before you notice a change in your hair.
What Can Set It Off?
Stress is not always about a busy day. Your body can also go through a hard time. Common triggers include:
A serious illness or high fever
Surgery
Childbirth
Major weight loss
A difficult life event
The shedding can make your hair look thinner all over. But a wider part or a bald spot can also have other causes. Do not assume stress is the answer without getting it checked.
Will My Hair Grow Back?
For many people, the shedding slows after the trigger has passed. Hair can grow back, but it takes time. You may need several months before it looks as full as it did before.
If the stress continues, the shedding may last longer. It is also possible to have more than one type of hair loss at the same time. A new shampoo alone cannot tell you what is happening.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are seeing much more hair shed than usual, try these steps:
Think back a few months. Were you sick, under great stress, or going through a big change?
Be gentle with your hair. Avoid tight styles and rough brushing.
Take photos over time. They can help you notice whether the thinning changes.
See a dermatologist. This doctor can check if you have telogen effluvium or another cause of hair loss.
You do not have to figure it out from the hair left in your brush. At New Look Institute, we are experts in hair and scalp solutions for men and women in San Jose, California. We listen to your concerns, offer a free scalp analysis, and help you explore options that fit your needs. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. If you need a medical diagnosis, we encourage you to see a dermatologist.
