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Telogen effluvium is a form of hair
loss that can result from multiple conditions including
anemia (low blood count), low iron, inadequate levels
of protein in the diet, thyroid disease, childbirth, major
surgery, severe illness, medications and birth control
pills. Generally, once the body feels the insult, hair
begins to shed over the entire scalp. This is because
the insult causes the hairs to switch from the growth
phase to the resting phase of the hair cycle. Some individuals
will notice large amounts of hair coming out in their
hairbrushes, in the shower or on their pillow. The normal
shedding of hair generally increases from 100 to 150 hairs
daily to almost 500 hairs. However, once the insult has
been withdrawn from the body, the hair loss should resolve
within 6 to 12 months.
Low blood count (anemia)
- Patients with anemia due to excessive bleeding, low
blood iron or insufficient red blood cell production tend
to develop telogen effluvium. Some people don't have enough
iron in their diets or may not fully absorb iron. Women
who have heavy menstrual periods may develop iron deficiency.
Low iron can be detected by laboratory tests and can be
corrected by taking iron supplements. The cause of low
blood count should be fully investigated and treated.
Once the iron deficiency or low blood count is diagnosed
and treated, the hair loss should resolve.
Inadequate Protein in Diet
- Some people, especially those who go on crash diets
that are low in protein, have severely abnormal eating
habits, or protein malnutrition in the intestine can experience
telogen effluvium. The body will attempt to conserve protein
by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive
hair shedding can occur two to three months later, when
hair can be pulled out at the roots fairly easily. This
condition can be reversed and prevented by eating the
proper amount of protein.
Thyroid Disease -
Either an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive
thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause
hair loss in men and women. A physician can easily
assess thyroid levels through laboratory testing. Hair
loss associated with thyroid disease can be reversed with
proper treatment.
Childbirth – When
a woman is pregnant, most of her hairs are in the growth
phase. However, after delivery, many hairs enter the resting
phase of the hair cycle. This will result in dramatic
shedding that can cause
thinning hair over the entire scalp. The hair loss
can last three to six months, but usually resolves completely
in most cases.
Severe illness and Major Surgery
- Illnesses or major surgery can cause hairs to enter
the resting phase. Three to four months after a high fever,
severe illness, infection or major surgery, a massive
shed of over 250 hairs will occur. This shedding usually
corrects itself within six to 12 months.
Medications - Some
prescription drugs may cause temporary hair shedding.
Examples include some of the medicines used for the following:
pain (aspirin or ibuprofen), depression, birth control
pills, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, or blood
thinning. High doses of vitamin A or Accutane may also
cause hair shedding.
Birth Control Pills
– Certain birth control pills may result in hair loss
in women whom are susceptible to female pattern hair loss.
This can usually be corrected by switching birth control
pills by the physician. Female
hair loss may also occur once a woman stops using
oral contraceptives. This may continue for six months
following the discontinuation of the medication.
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