Spontaneous shedding & growth - what kind of hair loss am I suffering?

Question

I began spontaneous, heavy shedding of hair from the top of my scalp in May 2020. It lasted for about four months, then the hair spontaneously grew back without treatment. Shortly thereafter, it resumed with a vengeance. I have suffered periods of extreme hair loss followed by regrowth ever since. A scalp biopsy did not reveal either TE or androgenetic alopecia. I have been under extreme, ongoing stress. What kind of hair loss am I suffering???

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It would be a big mistake here to assume this biopsy is the final answer. Telogen effluvium is not always captured in biopsies so it’s important not to over conclude the results of this biopsy. The diagnosis of hair loss comes from two main things: 1) a full exhaustive review of the story from A to Z and 2) a proper examination of the scalp. Blood tests and biopsies are important but they complete not supercede steps 1 and 2. I do not have any information about your history, medications, past medical history, etc and have not examined your scalp. It follows that it is impossible to offer a diagnosis. Be sure to see an expert who can review your story from birth up until now and perform a good examination including trichoscopy. Your diagnosis will come from these two steps.

Spontaneous shedding & growth - what kind of hair loss am I suffering?

Answers (1)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Spontaneous shedding & growth - what kind of hair loss am I suffering?

Answers (1)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Hair is thinner toward the roots. What is this?

Will Finasteride lose its effectiveness if I take it at 9pm in the evening?

Is this the beginning of male pattern baldness at 21? If so, which Norwood? (Photos)