Can telogen effluvium start immediately after a trigger without a 1-3 month delay?

It can vary to the individual. 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

A TE can start within days for some people but you are right most typical TE start 1-3 months post. There is a form of TE known as "immediate telogen release" which happens very quickly. There are other mechanisms responsible for rapid hair loss too so TE is not always the cause. There are forms of diffuse alopecia areata which mimic TE and also occur rapidly without delay. Please continue close follow up with your physician if things don't improve.

A Telogen Effluvium can be triggered by almost any type of stress in women who are prone to this happening. It often reverses on its own