Folli-Heal Plus
EN中文BM

Causes

Telogen effluvium: stress, childbirth and sudden shedding

Why hair can fall out in handfuls months after stress, illness or childbirth, how long telogen effluvium lasts and when to see a doctor.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Steven Goh2 min readCauses
Short answerTelogen effluvium is a common cause of diffuse hair shedding. A trigger such as illness, childbirth, crash dieting or major stress pushes many follicles into the resting phase at once, and the shedding usually appears about 3 to 4 months later. Finding and removing the trigger is the first step.

Why the delay confuses people

Shedding from telogen effluvium tends to show up 3 to 4 months after the triggering event [1]. By then the fever, surgery, new baby or stressful period may feel long past, so the connection is easy to miss.

Common triggers

Reported triggers include fever and illness, childbirth, sudden weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, some medicines and emotional stress [1]. Research on stress suggests it can be growth-inhibitory for hair and can push follicles toward regression, at least in animal studies, and that the distress of hair loss is often greater than its visible severity [2].

Getting checked

Increased shedding does not by itself reveal the cause. A doctor will take a history and may order blood tests to exclude endocrine, nutritional and autoimmune problems [1]. This matters because correcting, for example, low iron or a thyroid problem helps more than any shampoo.

Caring for your scalp meanwhile

Handle wet hair gently, keep the scalp clean, eat regular balanced meals and protect your sleep. Many people find a calm, hands-on scalp session helps them feel in control again. At Folli-Heal Plus we look at your scalp under magnification and explain whether we see shedding, thinning or both before recommending anything.

Want a closer look at your scalp?

Folli-Heal Plus starts every course with a magnified scalp analysis at The Starling Mall, PJ. We explain what we see, then plan sessions with you.

Book on WhatsAppSee the treatment

Results vary from person to person.

FAQ

How long does telogen effluvium last?

Acute episodes often settle within months once the trigger is removed; shedding that continues beyond about six months needs a doctor’s review.

Is postpartum hair loss permanent?

Shedding after childbirth is usually a form of telogen effluvium and tends to settle, but if it continues or the parting keeps widening, get checked for other causes.

Can stress really make hair fall?

Stress is a recognised trigger of telogen effluvium [1], and research suggests stress can affect the hair cycle [2].

References

  1. Malkud S. Telogen Effluvium: A Review. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(9):WE01-WE03. PubMed 26500992 · PMC4606321
  2. Hadshiew IM, Foitzik K, Arck PC, Paus R. Burden of hair loss: stress and the underestimated psychosocial impact of telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. J Invest Dermatol. 2004;123(3):455-457. PubMed 15304082

This article is general information, not medical advice. If hair loss is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor.

#shedding#stress#postpartum#telogen effluvium

Related articles

Causes

The hair growth cycle: why hair thins and sheds

2 min read

Causes

Vitamins, minerals and hair loss: what matters

2 min read

Local guide

Hair loss and confidence: first steps if you live in PJ

2 min read