Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a form of diffuse hair loss triggered when a large number of hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase simultaneously, resulting in excessive shedding 2-3 months after the triggering event. Common triggers include physical or emotional stress, surgery, high fever, crash dieting, nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin), hormonal changes (postpartum, thyroid disorders), and certain medications. Unlike androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium is typically reversible once the trigger is addressed. It is the most common cause of diffuse hair loss.