Can Stress Cause Sudden Hair Shedding? A Telogen Effluvium Case in Houston & Katy
Sudden hair shedding can be alarming, especially when hair has always been relatively stable. A 52-year-old woman recently visited our hair loss clinic after experiencing moderate, generalized hair shedding for approximately six months.
She reported experiencing significant stressors beginning the previous December and wondered whether stress could be contributing to her hair loss.
Diagnosing Telogen Effluvium
After examining her scalp and reviewing her history, her hair loss was most consistent with telogen effluvium (TE).
Telogen effluvium is a form of excessive shedding that can occur after the body experiences a physical or emotional stressor. Common triggers include:
Significant emotional stress
Illness or fever
Surgery
Rapid weight loss
Nutritional changes
Major life events
Certain medications
Importantly, shedding often begins several months after the triggering event, which can make the connection difficult for patients to recognize.
Will Hair Grow Back After Telogen Effluvium?
The good news is that telogen effluvium is generally temporary and non-scarring. Once the underlying trigger improves, the hair-growth cycle can gradually normalize.
However, hair grows slowly, so improvement may take several months.
We discussed treatment options including topical or oral minoxidil, nutritional supplements, low-level laser therapy, PRP, and other medical treatments when appropriate.
After discussing her options, this patient elected to start Nutrafol and monitor her progress.
Experiencing Sudden Hair Shedding in Houston or Katy?
If you notice excessive shedding, a thinner ponytail, or suddenly more hair in your shower or brush, identifying the cause is an important first step.
At Reena Jogi, MD / Village Dermatology, patients seeking treatment for hair loss in Houston and Katy, Texas can receive a comprehensive scalp evaluation to determine whether shedding is caused by telogen effluvium or another type of hair loss.
Individual results vary. Treatment recommendations depend on your diagnosis, medical history, and clinical examination.
