Does shedding short hairs (approx. 1") over a period of several months usually indicate AGA? Or TE short cycling? Other things?

Question

My acute TE/CTE lasted about 11 mos before the heavy sheds stopped abruptly 5 mos ago. Since then I've had steady regrowth and noticeable increase in volume, and normal sheds, but have shed 1" hairs in varying amounts the past 5 mos. Loss was diffuse; worse at temples. No crown thinning, no wide center part. Right side was worse than the left. No AGA in parents or siblings. I'm 51. What are odds my short hair loss is AGA? Also, my right temple regrowth has been the slowest--common for TE?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

The length of the hairs that fall out is  likely not related nor can it be used for a diagnosis.  In general it would be best to have a comprehensive examination by a doctor (in person) if you are trying to find the cause for your hair loss.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, you should be evaluated by a hair expert. They will take a good history, examination including pull test and develop a treatment plan. I think the simplest way to determine the the diagnosis in question, is to do a pull test while you are losing the hair. If your losing hair in areas that are not normally lost with genetic alopecia then you probably have recurrent telogen effluvium. Look particularly at the back of the neck and sides of the scalp. Hope this helps. Good luck.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This diagnosis should be made by a good dermatologist. There are tests called the pull test (look it up) to find out of you have TE

Does shedding short hairs (approx. 1") over a period of several months usually indicate AGA? Or TE short cycling? Other things?

Answers (3)

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Does shedding short hairs (approx. 1") over a period of several months usually indicate AGA? Or TE short cycling? Other things?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.