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

Question

Recently went through a traumatic event that put me through immense stress. I noticed right after my hair started shedding about 200 300 hairs per day. Now I am still shedding but not as much. When I shower I nearly lose a normal amount but through the day I lose a lot of stay hairs. My hair is 40% thinner. Went to my doc and he said it was TE but the hair loss only starts 1 to 3 months after a trigger - mine started right after the event. Can TE happen instantly? Will I lose more hair @ 3 mths?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

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.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

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

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

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

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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.