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Can telogen effluvium be reversed?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I think I have Telogen effluvium because my hair has been diversely thinning for over a year, and I have even lost hair on my neck area and sides of my head, along on top of the scalp. I went to the dermatologist once last year, and he thought it was TE, but it has not gotten any better, and they did not prescribe anything to me. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Priya B. T

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In telogen effluvium, there will be no hair loss involving the neck area. Is there any history of acute illness or systemic upset before the start of this problem? Why telogen effluvium was diagnosed? Is there any family illness of baldness? Hair loss over the neckline looks like alopecia areata type of hair loss. Diffuse types of hair loss can be seen in alopecia areata and also in telogen effluvium.

Nutritional deficiency is the most common cause. Keep your hemoglobin above 12g/dl. Take Biotin-containing hair supplements. Have dates, fresh vegetables, and fruits rich in iron. After the Corona crisis, meet your doctor and do a scalp biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Kindly consult the doctor and take medicines accordingly.

I hope this helps.

Please contact us again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

TE was diagnosed because of a pull test with a Telogen bulb. The hair fell out, and new hair was growing back in. I swear I feel little hairs all over my scalp, but I cannot see them. When I had blood work done, they checked the nutrition levels as well, with nothing significant enough besides something to do with my thyroid. Though I might have had hypothyroidism, the doctor said the level was not low enough to treat it. So, I was not diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Priya B. T

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Hair is a very tender organ. It will be affected by many factors. As you say, the thyroid hormone level you have is not sufficient; TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) would have been mildly abnormal. You might need a minimal thyroxine supplement. New hair growing will be thin and soft, and it will gain color and thickness after a few days. Have a good sleep and stress-free time. Any water change might also affect the hair. When everything settles, go for a biopsy and confirm the diagnosis. Do not worry much, as stress will aggravate hair fall.

I hope this helps.

Please contact us again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Priya B. T

Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.

Published At April 22, 2020
Reviewed AtFebruary 4, 2025

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