Common Causes of Female Hair Loss - Telogen Effluvium

Female hair loss, especially telogen effluvium is on the rise. Telogen effluvium, also known as diffuse hair loss is one of the most common types of hair loss affecting young women and even teenage girls.

Telogen effluvium can be suspected if there is a noticeable increase in the amount of hair being shed on a daily basis. With telogen effluvium the hair loss usually occurs fairly evenly throughout the scalp, rather than in one particular area.

A well-known method to check for telogen effluvium involves the pull test. Grabbing a small section of hair and gently pulling should render one or two hairs in the hand. If more hairs are released on a consistent basis telogen effluvium can be suspected.

Telogen effluvium occurs when there is a disruption in the hair growth cycle. This can be caused by a physiological stress, hormonal change or any insult or injury to the body. The hair growth cycle is very sensitive to changes. Even a slight disturbance can cause the hair loss cycle to become disrupted. When this happens more hairs than usual retreat to the resting phase, where fall out will occur two to three months later. When excessive hair loss occurs one must think back to the previous months to see if there were any possible associations.

Some of the most common triggers for telogen effluvium type hair loss in women include:

CHILDBIRTH

Many new mothers are surprised to learn that postpartum hair loss is very common. The unique hormonal surge during pregnancy along with the increased blood circulation enhances the condition of ones hair. The growth cycle is extended and very few hairs retreat to the resting and shedding phases. After childbirth the dramatic decrease in hormones trigger excessive shedding.

MEDICATION

Any medication can cause hair loss, even if it's not listed as a symptom. If the body has a hard time adjusting to the medication hair loss may occur. Discontinuing a medication can also cause hair loss, as the body may also have to adjust to the absence of the medication,

SURGERY

Surgery creates a shock to the system which the body must tend to and deal with. Any surgery can trigger hair loss. Anesthesia and medications that go along with the surgery can also contribute to hair loss.

CHANGE IN DIET/RAPID WEIGHT LOSS

Any change in diet can cause hair loss, especially if it is deficient in calories and nutrition and results in rapid weight loss.

These are just a few of the many possible causes of telogen effluvium. Women who experience excessive hair loss should explore all possible causes. Most cases of telogen effluvium can be reversed or improved by correcting the problem and using natural methods to stimulate new hair growth and minimize hair loss.