What causes the hair around the temple to thin?

Without seeing you in person, it is difficult to actually pinpoint the cause of your hair thinning around the temples. But generally speaking thinning hair is caused by the miniaturization of the hair follicles. Although you have been diagnosed with chronic telogen effluvium, you may also be affected by pattern baldness. When your hair follicles are gradually starting to experience impairments in being able to produce healthy hair, this will start to become apparent through the appearance of thinning hair and a decline in hair density. I would recommend getting a second opinion, and perhaps more blood tests to see if you are starting to experience the onset of pattern baldness, or perhaps even another medical condition. Diagnosing and identifying the cause of your thinning temples would help point you identify the right treatment approaches. Below is an article from my office the Dr.U Hair and Skin Clinics which may help you. 

This needs an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Hello and thank you for your question. I suggest getting a second opinion. Do your research on doctors in your area and get a good doctor that specializes in hair loss. Getting bloodwork done is also a good idea. Good luck to you.Dr. T

Although you have a diagnosis of chronic tellogen effluvium, there may be several factors involved with your hair loss, including low iron, hormonal changes, genetic influences, etc.  For an accurate diagnosis, you may even consider having a small biopsy of your scalp.  If there is contribution of androgenic alopecia (related to genetics and hormones), there are may be several options for therapy to consider such as Minoxidil, Spironolactone, low level light therapy, platelet rich plasma injections, etc. I hope this helps.  Good luck!

Without an in person consultation, it is not possible to make a diagnosis. Having said that, the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is genetic. In order to find the right treatment options, I recommend to see a hair restoration specialist.