A Case of Telogen Effluvium

All that you need to know and do about your hair loss.

A Case of Telogen Effluvium

by Lewis
(Scottsdale AZ)

My Hair during Telogen Effluvium

Hi,

I'm a 22 year old male who was diagnosed with TE about a month ago. 3 weeks before my diagnosis I suddenly noticed I could see more of my scalp when I got out of the shower. My hair felt lighter all of a sudden and during the wind I could feel my scalp more than I used to.

Let me just say that before my TE, I had a thick, full head of hair. My dad is 55 and still has a thick head of hair, and my paternal grandfather was the same. On my mom's side, her brother and father both have hair - so I was not someone who would be at a high risk to MPB at 22 years of age.
Despite that, initially, I thought I was going bald. That was until I typed "Sudden Hair Loss" into a Google search engine and discovered and read about TE. I had a bit more hope...

However, the hair pull tests were proving inconclusive... I wasn't 100% sure if I was seeing the 'white bulbs' or not. I decided to man up and book an appointment with a dermatologist and he confirmed I had TE and then said, "I've got good news for you..." He said that the reason this occurred was because of a prolonged period of physiological stress. I was studying for the LSAC to try and gain entry into law school...

It's been nearly 2 months since I noticed the TE. My doctor recommended Biotin. I have been taking it profusely since late April. Sadly, as of yet, I have not noticed any significant regrowth. However, I am encouraged to read that regrowth takes up to 6 months... so hopefully my hair will return with the remaining 4 month window.

I'm interested in anyone who has suffered TE, in particular young men my age (but I'll take advice from women as well), to provide me with some tips. What worked for you? Did a certain "trigger" spark your regrowth? Did you see a doctor, and did they recommend Biotin?

It might be hard to see in the picture, but if you look closely you can see significant portions of my scalp.

Editor’s Comments,

Hello Lewis,

Telogen Effluvium is really a common condition and most people will face it a few times throughout their lifetime. Depending on the severity of the condition, some might not even notice it at all. As for your situation, I totally understand that sudden hair loss is not something easy to swallow for someone as young as you.

Trust your dermatologist as he is the one totally qualified to diagnose your condition and quite frankly, most cases of TE is related to emotional and psychological stress like exams, relationships problems and etc. for your age group.

Biotin is a good choice but I would prefer to take Vitamin B Complex instead as all the vitamins there are important for faster hair growth. To see whether your hair line is improving, take a picture after your shower now and do it again 3 months after and you will see whether your hairline is improving. Use a bright light source on top of your head to get the clearest view and do ensure you use the same light source for the After pictures too.

Stay cool and monitor your condition without getting too into it till it stresses you and your hair should come back in the shortest time possible!

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A Case of Telogen Effluvium

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Aug 27, 2010
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29 and Possible TE
by: Miss L

I am a 29 yr old female, and I think I may be suffering from TE. It started over the past month losing a LOT of hair, and in the past two weeks I can see my scalp. My hair has always been the thing I get complimented on and now without it, I don't even feel like myself. I cry every morning when I see all the hair. I have started taking a multi vitamin and Biotin to help. About 4 months ago,my grama died, my fiance cheated, I called off my wedding and moved. So I am hoping it is a stress thing and stops soon. I went to the doctor today and they did blood work to rule out deficiencies, if that checks out I have to see a dermatologist. I feel so depressed with this, but it is comforting to see I am not the only one and not the only one this young to suffer.

Jul 10, 2010
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Te sucks
by: Ginger C.

Hey everyone-I found this site as I was sobbing from the amount of hair I'm losing. I'm embarrassed to go anywhere- it seems that obvious to me. My husband swears he doesn't notice, but I know he's trying to make me feel better. I had surgery in January and underwent 35 days of interferon because of my melanoma diagnosis. During that time I didn't lose any hair. Well, 3 months later my hair started falling out in handfulls. My dermatologist diagnosed me with TE. And it sucks-I cut my hair short and it looks awful on me. Even though I'm a woman, I'm considering shaving my head. I'm afraid when it starts growing back it will be crazy uneven, so maybe shaving would help it grow??? I don't even know what to do really. I'm just seriously depressed now and it's hard to make myself do anything at all.

May 20, 2010
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About TE
by: Saeedss

Hi Lewis, how do you do man?
I'm iranian and I can not believe this, you know what, I had a case 100% likes your case however I was 23 years old whaen it happened in 2009.anyway there is no bald person in my whole family, I went to a dermatologist and he laughed on me and said don't worry big guy, it will be heal by itself because anything can afflict the hairs and send them to TE. a simple flu, a stress (3 or 4 months after stress) , a bad diet, inadequate sleep, thyroid gland problem ...

about my hairs , they don't heal completely yet but at least I am 100% sure that abnormal falling is gone, don't worry you and I, We will take back all of our hair shafts. sorry if my english is not so well... if you want to talk.here i am: saeed.sharifishamili@gmail.com by the way I am studying mechanical engineering in bandar abbas university.

Mar 05, 2010
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relief
by: Jamie

i haven't been diagnosed with TE but i think im suffering from it
i'm 18 and have always stressed over hair loss even though it hasn't happened
i noticed it looked thin in the space of 2weeks when i shaved it which made me stress and check it more,but the doctor said i suffered from anxiety
i never noticed it fall out and it never came out when i done the 'tug test' could it be TE? if so whats the chances of it growing back?

sorry i know your not a doctor but anything from your own experience would help thanks

Mar 05, 2010
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You're not alone
by: Lilly

It's comforting to know that there are people out there that are going through the same bad experience as I am. Five months ago I started losing a lot of hair, at first I thought it was something that was not going to last but two months went by and I continued losing a lot of hair, finally I decided to go to my dr, didn't do much good, then I went to a dermatologist and they did a biopsy on my scalp. I finally got the results and was told that I have TE. I had no idea what this was until I did research online. The dermatoligist says I should recover in 3 to 6 months and I do see some growth already but this has been a painful experience.

I was one of those women that people would always complement me on my hair. I had a lot of hair and very thick and now I can see my scalp and I have a hard time fixing it every morning when I go to work. It's hard not to stress but I will try to relax, stay positive and take some of the supplements all of you recommended. Good luck to all of you and thanks for posting your comments because it helps others know that we are not alone suffering this condition.

Ahhhhhhh, one more thing, I can't pinpoint the cause of my hair loss but the only thing I can remember experiencing like three months before I started losing hair was that my boyfriend and I had ended our relationship and I felt like I was grieving someones death :(

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Mar 05, 2010
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Submitted by: Lilly

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It's comforting to know that there are people out there that are going through the same bad experience as I am. Five months ago I started losing a lot of hair, at first I thought it was something that was not going to last but two months went by and I continued losing a lot of hair, finally I decided to go to my dr, didn't do much good, then I went to a dermatologist and they did a biopsy on my scalp. I finally got the results and was told that I have TE. I had no idea what this was until I did research online. The dermatoligist says I should recover in 3 to 6 months and I do see some growth already but this has been a painful experience. I was one of those women that people would always complement me on my hair. I had a lot of hair and very thick and now I can see my scalp and I have a hard time fixing it every morning when I go to work. It's hard not to stress but I will try to relax, stay positive and take some of the supplements all of you recommended. Good luck to all of you and thanks for posting your comments because it helps others know that we are not alone suffering this condition. Ahhhhhhh, one more thing, I can't pinpoint the cause of my hair loss but the only thing I can remember experiencing like three months before I started losing hair was that my boyfriend and I had ended our relationship and I felt like I was grieving someones death :(

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Jan 27, 2010
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My horrible TE story as a result of hair dye
by: Anonymous

Hi All
It is relieving to know that I am not the only person going through this horrible condition called Telogen Effluvium. My case is a little different in that I had my hair dyed by a professional hairdresser in October 2009 and almost immediately suffered an allergic reaction to PPD (phenylenediamine)an ingredient in the dye which caused severe blistering to my entire scalp, neck and ears. On the 8th day I had a anaphylatic reaction and was rushed to hospital. After three weeks and a cocktail of medication the scalp seemed to be getting better. In December 2009 I noticed a lot of hair falling out but ignored it and thought it would stop. In January 2010 I went to see a Dermatoglist who said I had TE and the hair shedding would last 2 -4 months. I havent really been coping with the massive amounts of hair falling out and I do try to stay positive. Now there are several bald patches on my scalp and as a female I am getting more anxious and upset. I just want the hair to stop falling out and would like to know what I should be using on my scalp to stop the hair loss and promote hair growth. The Dermatoglist suggested minoxidil lotion but I am worried that I may have a reaction. I also obtained an opinion from a Trichologist who insists I have Alopecia Areatia and not TE. This has not helped my stress levels and I am not convinced that their diagnosis is correct. I am going back to the Dermatologist today to seek their advice. Appreciate any advice.

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Jan 27, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Comment
Hi All It is relieving to know that I am not the only person going through this horrible condition called Telogen Effluvium. My case is a little different in that I had my hair dyed by a professional hairdresser in October 2009 and almost immediately suffered an allergic reaction to PPD (phenylenediamine)an ingredient in the dye which caused severe blistering to my entire scalp, neck and ears. On the 8th day I had a anaphylatic reaction and was rushed to hospital. After three weeks and a cocktail of medication the scalp seemed to be getting better. In December 2009 I noticed a lot of hair falling out but ignored it and thought it would stop. In January 2010 I went to see a Dermatoglist who said I had TE and the hair shedding would last 2 -4 months. I havent really been coping with the massive amounts of hair falling out and I do try to stay positive. Now there are several bald patches on my scalp and as a female I am getting more anxious and upset. I just want the hair to stop falling out and would like to know what I should be using on my scalp to stop the hair loss and promote hair growth. The Dermatoglist suggested minoxidil lotion but I am worried that I may have a reaction. I also obtained an opinion from a Trichologist who insists I have Alopecia Areatia and not TE. This has not helped my stress levels and I am not convinced that their diagnosis is correct. I am going back to the Dermatologist today to seek their advice. Appreciate any advice.

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Jan 19, 2010
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Hi Lewis
by: Adam

Hi Lewis, Im very Interested in your story - im just wondering why you cant post a picture of your updated hair?

Jan 17, 2010
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I'm a girl - bald guys are HOT
by: Kyoko

Hey guys,

I'm a girl, and I just want to say, whether you are losing your hair due to TE, or because you are just losing your hair for good... a bald head can be damn sexy! I understand that that probably isn't any kind of consolation you would want to hear, but a LOT of girls like the shaved bald head. I am married to a baldy! If you are experiencing TE, it will pass(calm down), if not, the situation isn't as bad as you probably feel. Shave it and focus on the great things in life.

I survived TE and I'm a lady! It freaking SUCKED! I was experiencing a severe migraine for two weeks straight - scintillating scotoma and everything(blind spots) - My doc told me to get a CT scan... I thought I had a brain tumor! It was horrible. I had the scan and I was fine... what was the cause of the migraines? Guess... STRESS! 3 months later, my hair is just falling out like crazy. My scalp becomes visible, my hair loses volume, I'm FREAKING out! I looked like Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

It took about, oh say, 4 months for me to see some tiny hairs growing back around my hairline. Right now I look like I have messed up, crazy hair because it's growing out all over, and sticking up everywhere. To speed up the growth I took a vegan prenatal vitamin, biotin, and a B vitamin. Right now, I look fine and I feel perfectly fine in public. It's not as thick as it is going to be in a year, but it'll do for now.

Anyway, guys... you are hot, don't ruin your life stressing about your hair. Take a deep breath, calm down, and move on.

- Kyoko

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Jan 17, 2010
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Submitted by: Kyoko

Title

Comment
Hey guys, I'm a girl, and I just want to say, whether you are losing your hair due to TE, or because you are just losing your hair for good... a bald head can be damn sexy! I understand that that probably isn't any kind of consolation you would want to hear, but a LOT of girls like the shaved bald head. I am married to a baldy! If you are experiencing TE, it will pass(calm down), if not, the situation isn't as bad as you probably feel. Shave it and focus on the great things in life. I survived TE and I'm a lady! It freaking SUCKED! I was experiencing a severe migraine for two weeks straight - scintillating scotoma and everything(blind spots) - My doc told me to get a CT scan... I thought I had a brain tumor! It was horrible. I had the scan and I was fine... what was the cause of the migraines? Guess... STRESS! 3 months later, my hair is just falling out like crazy. My scalp becomes visible, my hair loses volume, I'm FREAKING out! I looked like Gollum from Lord of the Rings. It took about, oh say, 4 months for me to see some tiny hairs growing back around my hairline. Right now I look like I have messed up, crazy hair because it's growing out all over, and sticking up everywhere. To speed up the growth I took a vegan prenatal vitamin, biotin, and a B vitamin. Right now, I look fine and I feel perfectly fine in public. It's not as thick as it is going to be in a year, but it'll do for now. Anyway, guys... you are hot, don't ruin your life stressing about your hair. Take a deep breath, calm down, and move on. - Kyoko

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Nov 17, 2009
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Hey Lewis
by: Anonymous

im a 23year male,Ok so Iam suffering from lots of hair shedding, i had long hair around 5 inches long, when i noticed all this hair falling out i decided to cut it because it was ggetting so frustrating, i cut it down to an inch like two months ago, well many hair still continue to fall each day, many of them havent really grown since the last cut, some have grown, well i have an appointment with a dermatologist in december but was wondering about what u said about the hair pull test? what does it mean if it has a white bulb ???? ok please help thanks, this is a situation nobody should face :(

Oct 08, 2009
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hey a few questions
by: saul

OKey, so i recently ive went to over 2 dermatologist and the first one said that it could be TE, he gave me some vitamins, and some stuff for the hair, i went to a second and he said it was probably over stress, my hairline has receded slightly, and i dont got any bald spot on the back but ive been shedding non stop for like 2 months now, I did have a very traumatizating event back 4 months ago, but then again... idk...

my question is did you notice more hair loss from the top and front? than the back and sides?

Ive been noticing that while i do shed from back and sides its not as bad as the top and back...
please answer soon,
And good to know that you recovered. :)

Oct 06, 2009
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Help me getting my hair back
by: Vijay

My hair extremely fall down so i balded it.is this the good idea to shave my hair regularly.my main problem is falling of hair and over dandruff on the surface of my head.what would u suggest me for this?

Sep 24, 2009
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Good news
by: Lewis

Hey Guys!

Well my hair came back. I suppose it was TE, im delighted. =) =) =)

Thanks for the support, some big tips on anyone who is suffering from this :

1. Stop stressing - You have to learn to control your emotions, even when things are tense. I learned this lesson the hard way

2. Work out - getting oxygen flowing to the brain is bound to help rejuvinate the follicles and re-activate them... I did this and it helped me!

3. Biotin and Vitamin B complex - both are essential for good, healthy hair growth. Biotin will make your hair appear fuller and thicker, even if the TE persists... which can mask the fact that you had any hair loss to begin with.

4. Be confident - tell yourself this is temporary and that your hair will come back eventually. Stay positive.

Good luck everyone, I wish I could post a picture of my wonderful, thick, head of hair... ?

Sep 23, 2009
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crash diet hair loss
by: ralph

man, it's a relief to know my condition might be temporary. i am 61, and have always had a thick head of hair until i went on a crash diet and lost 90 pound in 7 months. about 5 months into my diet I noticed my hair was falling out when I washed it. pretty soon I could start to see my scalp for the first time in my life! i really started to panic. here i was getting in the best shape of my life and now i would be bald? i read everything i could. i have been taking B6, biotin, saw palmetto, fax seed oil caps, and a hair herb formula i got at walgreens. its been almost a month now since i started taking all these vitamins and i can see new hair growing back. i just wish it would hurry up. the hair loss has slowed down too. maybe this info can help you guys too, good luck!

Sep 21, 2009
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te
by: Romin de la man

hey buddy, did ur hair get better? im 27 same thing happening to me lost half my hair density in a month, unpleasant stuff, been 4 months now got a bit better then a bit worse

Sep 14, 2009
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Chronic Talogen Effluvium
by: Muhammad Junaid Khan

I began to lose my hair at age 16.It was unbearable for me because of the intensity of hair loss that i was suffering from moreover i was unsure what was the case because i have no near relatives that have mpb. I was extremely stressed because i was losing more than 200 hundred hair strands daily and in just about two weeks my scalp began to get visible.Now after 4 years of using different products i have came to the conclusion that of all the stuff that i tried minoxidil worked great for me although i m still loosing hair but it definitely helped me grow more hair and prevent it form thinning more.

Aug 25, 2009
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hairloss cure and it works
by: tommy gunn

i also bet sudden hairloss, was losing 200 hairs a day for a year and a half, this might sound stupid but i would slap the top of my head 5mins a night making sure i hurt it, it helps with blood flow and re-awakes resting follicles, hair growth responds greatly to a wounded head.
hope this helps, if you have any questions let me know
also i use alcopecin cafene shampoo,straight after wounding my head

thank you

tommy gunn

Aug 21, 2009
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male telogen cure august 2009
by: professor rupert dundass

hi there,i have had telogen for the last 15 year and i still have a full head of hair,i will give you a tip though its an annoying tip but it works,shave your head for around 6month only shampooing once a week,when you do grow your hair back it will be thicker as you worry less and your not pulling it,counting hairs or using harsh shampoos.you will notice no hair loss,if telogen reoccurs then do the same,its not the ideal situation shaving the head but it works.take david beckham for instance he dosent shave his head to be trendy but to beat telogen.
hope this helps

bobby

Jul 07, 2009
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My response to Danny
by: Lewis

Hi Danny I thought I'd respond to you,

You should go to a doctor and get it diagnosed. It could be something else although it sounds like TE.

I am fortunate that I had a thick mane of hair before the TE - I cant imagine what this would be like if i had thin hair.... it would be a real nightmare then.

I noticed this on April 7th 2009 and today is 3 months and I have yet to see the short hairs growing. But I have read online that it can take an entire year until your hair gets back to normal.

The doctor recommended I take Biotin - its a supplement that you can find over the counter @ walgreens for $10. The editor here recommended B-Complex vitamins, and I have been taking them too. The hair I have left is growing faster and looks slightly thicker as a result of taking these vitamins - I think you should take both of them like me.

Thanks, and good luck

Lewis

Jun 29, 2009
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I feel your pain
by: Danny

I am a 23 yr old male and a few months back in November I got rear-ended, my car was totalled, I was given the ticket of responsibility for the accident. Not too long after I found out that my childhood dog that I grew up with passed away and that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer... To say the least it's been one hell of a year. The real bad news about this all is that I have been losing hair like it's my job. I've gone from having a pretty thick head of hair to serious thinning. When I run my hands through my hair, at least 15-20 hairs fall out. It's absurd and also it's quite embarrassing for a 23 year old to be losing hair like I am. I have not yet been diagnosed but considering I see the white bulbs at the end of my hairs that come out, and just telling from the quantity of hairs and the stress I've been under this year I believe I too am a young male victim of TE. I hope there's a cure, or that my hair will stop falling out.. I supposed I could start accepting what little hair I have left, but ultimately if more falls out I think my self-esteem will be done for...

It is a crappy situation you and I are in my friend. I too was studying for the LSATs not too long ago... Just want you to know that you are not alone in this, and if it's any consolation you deffinately have more hair than I do :)

Hope we both regrow, or more importantly, stop losing...

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Jun 29, 2009
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Submitted by: Danny

Title

Comment
I am a 23 yr old male and a few months back in November I got rear-ended, my car was totalled, I was given the ticket of responsibility for the accident. Not too long after I found out that my childhood dog that I grew up with passed away and that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer... To say the least it's been one hell of a year. The real bad news about this all is that I have been losing hair like it's my job. I've gone from having a pretty thick head of hair to serious thinning. When I run my hands through my hair, at least 15-20 hairs fall out. It's absurd and also it's quite embarrassing for a 23 year old to be losing hair like I am. I have not yet been diagnosed but considering I see the white bulbs at the end of my hairs that come out, and just telling from the quantity of hairs and the stress I've been under this year I believe I too am a young male victim of TE. I hope there's a cure, or that my hair will stop falling out.. I supposed I could start accepting what little hair I have left, but ultimately if more falls out I think my self-esteem will be done for... It is a crappy situation you and I are in my friend. I too was studying for the LSATs not too long ago... Just want you to know that you are not alone in this, and if it's any consolation you deffinately have more hair than I do :) Hope we both regrow, or more importantly, stop losing...

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Jun 02, 2009
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Thanks for the picture
by: B

Hi Lewis,
I rarely make comments but I'd like to applaud your courage to take a picture of your situation and posting it. I'm a 29-yr-old male and I posted my case here months ago. It's been close to 6 months since I noticed my sudden hair loss - thinning, hair becoming lighter, seeing more scalp, etc. The general doctor was useless. The dermatologist told me things I already read online. At least yours was able to confirm it's TE. By now, I can see thin areas here and there, like patches - front, center, left, right. I still don't have the courage to take a picture and look.
In the last 2-3 weeks, I noticed that my hair loss has decreased by a lot. Less hair falls out in the morning when I run my hand through it in front of the sink. Less hair is sticking to my hands when I wash my hair. However, I still see no sign of regrowth. I just started my 4th bottle of Rogaine and it doesn't look like it's made any difference either. I'm trying to stay positive .. wait and see.
-B

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