Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is diffuse shedding that follows a trigger that shifts more hairs into the telogen phase.
Common triggers
- Illness or fever, major surgery, childbirth, severe calorie deficit, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, certain medications, acute stress.
Course
- Shedding often starts 2–3 months after the trigger and gradually resolves over months once the trigger is addressed.
Writing Tips
- Convey the time lag and emotional impact: hair in the brush, on the pillow, then the slow return to normal.
Example
"Autumn gathered in the plughole. By winter the shedding eased, tiny new hairs prickling along her part by spring."