Hair shedding for the past 6 months - is this FPHL or due to stress? (photos)

Hello,

I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve been facing. Telogen effluvium (TE) is often triggered by stress, significant life changes, or emotional trauma, and it’s encouraging that your doctor has identified this as the likely cause. TE typically resolves once the underlying triggers are addressed, though it can take several months for shedding to stop and hair to regrow.

Focus on managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and giving your body time to recover. If shedding persists beyond 6–12 months, consider revisiting your doctor for further evaluation.

Best regards,
Dr. Marco Barusco

Your trichoscopy photos clearly show miniaturization, which is the hallmark finding of FPHL. FPHL leads to thinning/miniaturization of hair shafts over time. However, your history of stressors and shedding indicate telogen effluvium. TE is diagnosed with a positive hair pull test indicating high shed. It is likely that you have two processes going on based on the data you have provided.

I'm truly sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother and the challenges you've been facing, including the breakup.

It's not uncommon for stress to manifest in various ways, and your dermatologist's diagnosis of Telogen Effluvium (TE) could very well be a result of the emotional strain you've been under. Stress is known to disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding. Additionally, stress can absolutely cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle.

It's important to prioritize self-care during this difficult time. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial in managing stress and its impact on your overall well-being.
Take care, and I wish you strength and healing as you navigate through these challenging moments.