Understanding Telogen Effluvium (TE) and Hair Shedding

What is Telogen Effluvium (TE)?

Telogen Effluvium (TE) is one of the most common causes of sudden hair shedding, especially in women. It occurs when an increased number of hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle at once, leading to noticeable hair loss — commonly seen on pillows, in the shower, or while combing.

If you’ve recently experienced hair loss after COVID, postpartum hair fall, or hair thinning following a crash diet or stress, it may be TE.

What Triggers TE? (Common Causes of Sudden Hair Shedding)

• Febrile illnesses (e.g., COVID-19, dengue, influenza)
• Postpartum hair loss
• Surgery or physical trauma
• Crash dieting, anorexia nervosa
• Severe emotional stress
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Iron deficiency (especially ferritin <30 ng/mL)
• Medications (retinoids, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants)
• Industrial or chemical exposure
• Excess sun exposure — Actinic Telogen Effluvium
• Chronic systemic conditions (e.g., IBD, hepatic/renal failure)
• Chronic infections such as HIV, secondary syphilis
• Autoimmune diseases like dermatomyositis
• Increased TE after COVID-19 infection has been reported

These conditions may lead to diffuse female hair thinning or shedding across the scalp.

What About Hair Shedding in AGA/FPHL?

About 25–40% of individuals with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) or Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) also experience telogen hair shedding. This dual presentation makes diagnosis and management more complex.

At RD Clinic, we combine expert diagnosis with evidence-based treatment — making us one of the best dermatologists in Mumbai for hair loss.

How to Know If It's Telogen Effluvium?

• Sudden hair fall without bald spots
• Shedding from the entire scalp
• Positive hair pull test
• Mild scalp tenderness (trichodynia)
• Recent stress, illness, or dietary change

Diagnosis at RD Clinic – Best Dermatologist in Mumbai

We perform a thorough evaluation using:

• Detailed medical and nutritional history
• Clinical scalp examination
• Hair pull test
• Blood tests (Iron, Vitamin B12, D, TSH)
• Trichoscopy (scalp microscopy) for precise diagnosis

If you're searching for scalp trichoscopy Mumbai, RD Clinic offers advanced scanning tools for hair follicle analysis.

How Is TE Treated at RD Clinic?

Though acute Telogen Effluvium often resolves in 3–6 months, early management helps reduce visible thinning and emotional stress.

We offer personalized TE treatment plans by the top dermatologist in Mumbai based on your condition, history, and blood parameters.

Nutritional Formula – Stopping Shedding at the Root

Our supplement therapy targets the mitochondria (energy center) of hair follicles — designed to reduce hair fall from the cellular level.

Key Ingredients:

• L-Carnitine, Magnesium L-Threonate – Boost mitochondrial function
• Zinc, Selenium, Copper – Protect from oxidative damage
• Folic Acid, Niacin, B-Vitamins – Promote hair follicle turnover
• Curcumin, Resveratrol, Bacopa – Reduce scalp inflammation
• Amino Acids (L-Isoleucine, L-Valine) – Enhance keratin synthesis
• Black Pepper Extract – Increase bioavailability

This powerful blend makes it one of the top nutritional formulas for female hair thinning.

Why Early Management of TE Matters

Even though TE is temporary, it can cause distress due to thinning, reduced ponytail volume, or temporary baldness. The regrowth phase is gradual — hence early diagnosis and professional care is key.

At RD Clinic, we not only treat the scalp but also support your emotional well-being — a true hallmark of the best dermatologist in Mumbai for hair loss recovery.