Telogen Effluvium: Stress‑Related Hair Loss Explained by a Dermatologist

Stress Hair Loss Treatment in Las Vegas | Board‑Certified Dermatologist

If you’re experiencing sudden hair shedding — handfuls of hair in the shower, on your pillow, or when brushing — you may be dealing with telogen effluvium, one of the most common causes of stress‑related hair loss.

Telogen effluvium is not permanent baldness, but it is a medical condition that deserves proper evaluation. At Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology, we help patients identify triggers, calm the scalp, and support healthy regrowth using an evidence‑based, integrative approach.

What Is Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen effluvium occurs when a physical or emotional stressor pushes a large number of hair follicles into the telogen (resting/shedding) phase at the same time.

Instead of the normal 10–15% of hairs shedding, up to 30–50% of scalp hairs may shed over a short period.

Key features:

• Diffuse shedding (not patchy bald spots)

• Hair comes out easily with washing or brushing

• Scalp usually looks normal (no scarring)

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What Triggers Stress‑Related Hair Loss?

Telogen effluvium typically begins 2–4 months after a trigger, which is why it’s often confusing for patients.

Common triggers include:

• Emotional stress or anxiety

• Acute illness, fever, or infection - COVID, flu

• Surgery or hospitalization

• Postpartum hormonal shifts

• Rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting

• New medications

• Hormonal changes (thyroid, perimenopause)

👉 For a broader overview of hair loss causes and treatments, visit our Hair Loss Treatment in Las Vegas page.

How Long Does Telogen Effluvium Last?

In many cases, telogen effluvium is temporary.

• Shedding may last 3–6 months

• Regrowth often begins once the trigger is resolved

• Full recovery can take 6–12 months

However, chronic telogen effluvium can occur if stressors persist or if underlying issues (iron deficiency, thyroid disease, hormonal imbalance) are not addressed.

Telogen Effluvium vs Female Pattern Hair Loss

These conditions are often confused — and can occur together.

Telogen Effluvium:

• Sudden shedding

• Hair density feels thinner everywhere

• Often reversible

Female Pattern Hair Loss:

• Gradual thinning over the crown or part

• Ponytail slowly becomes thinner

• Progressive without treatment

👉 Learn more in our Female Hair Loss Treatment blog.

How a Dermatologist Diagnoses Telogen Effluvium

Diagnosis is clinical and based on:

✔ Medical history and recent stressors

✔ Timing of shedding onset

✔ Scalp and hair examination

✔ Review of medications and supplements

✔ Targeted lab testing when appropriate (iron, ferritin, thyroid, vitamin D), Hair evaluation, Scalp Biopsy

Accurate diagnosis is essential — treating the wrong type of hair loss delays recovery.

Treatment for Stress‑Related Hair Loss

Treatment focuses on supporting follicles while addressing the trigger.

Your personalized plan may include:

• Traditional and Integrative treatment options

• Topical treatments, Other medical treatments

• Supplements to support skin and scalp health

• Correction of nutrient deficiencies

• Gentle scalp care to reduce inflammation

• Scalp Injections

• Holistic Medical evaluation and support

• Medical grade scalp skincare

• Microneedling in select cases with other overlap hair loss causes

👉 Learn more about procedural options in our Microneedling for Hair Loss article.

What You Can Do at Home

While medical guidance is important, supportive steps include:

• Avoid crash dieting

• Use gentle hair care (no aggressive brushing)

• Minimize tight hairstyles

• Prioritize sleep and stress reduction

• Avoid unnecessary supplements without guidance

When to See a Dermatologist for Shedding

Schedule an evaluation if:

• Shedding lasts longer than 3 months

• Hair density continues to decline

• Shedding follows illness, surgery, or stress

• You have fatigue, menstrual changes, or scalp symptoms

Early evaluation prevents missed diagnoses.

Why Choose Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

• Board‑certified dermatologist

• Expertise in female and stress‑related hair loss

• Private, unrushed visits

• Transparent pricing

• Integrative + traditional care

Schedule a Hair Loss Evaluation in Las Vegas

If you’re dealing with sudden hair shedding or stress‑related hair loss, help is available.

📍 Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

8660 W Spring Mountain Rd Ste 101 Las Vegas, NV 89117

Call 702‑930‑6441or schedule online 🌐 www.lasvegasintegrativedermatology.com

Serving Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, North Las Vegas & surrounding areas.

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Medical Disclaimer:

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in‑person medical evaluation. Always consult a board‑certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.