Is there such a thing as seasonal telogen effluvium?

Question

The last 4 years, every March/April my hair will fall out excessively for 3 months, getting back to a normal around July/August. In the 4 years my hair has never gets the chance to fully recover. I am in recovery (1 year)from 22years of bulimia. I worked with a naturopath where she treated digestive issues &inflammation. also monitoring my blood work noticing that I was excessively low in vit. D & that all my levels would rise/fall easily. Could a drop in d over the winter cause a spring shed?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Several research studies have shown that humans living in northern regions tend to shed more during the late summer and early autumn months.   Most of the time this goes undetected, but some individuals do notice this feature. A second phase of increase shedding in human beings may occur in Spring as well. While changes could be due to vitamin D the reality is that they probably aren’t. REFERENCES1) Courtois M et al. Periodicity in the growth and shedding of hair. Br J Dermatol 1996; 134;47-54.
2) Kunz M et al. Seasonality of hair shedding in healthy women complaining of hair loss. Dermatology 2009; 219: 105-10.
3) Randall CA and Ebling EJG. Seasonal changes in human hair growth.  Br J Dermatol 1991; 124: 146-51.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

excessively low vit. D may cause hair loss. Stress, anemia, lupus, medications, hormonal and seasonal changes, nutritional problems, severe diets, bulimia, protein/calorie deficiency, zinc and essential amino-acid deficiency, mal-absorption (intestinal and digestive problems), A-vitamin excess, general anesthesia, affective mood disorders are also causes of hair loss.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Seasonal TE is not something that has been documented, but with your history of bulemia, you have causes for hair loss

Is there such a thing as seasonal telogen effluvium?

Answers (4)

Answer: TE

Answer: TE

Recommended reading

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.

Is there such a thing as seasonal telogen effluvium?

Answers (4)

Answer: TE

Answer: TE

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

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.