In plain words
Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair shedding that often starts about three to four months after birth. In pregnancy, hormone levels keep more hairs in the growing phase, so hair falls out less. After birth, many of those hairs move to the resting phase and shed together. Clumps in the shower or on a brush are common. It is not a sign of serious illness on its own. Most people see hair thicken again over about six to twelve months. It is sometimes confused with patchy hair loss from a medical cause. Bald patches, scalp changes, or hair loss that continues are reasons to see a provider.
The deeper version
A diffuse, non-scarring alopecia in which a synchronized shift of follicles from anagen into telogen produces shedding. In the postpartum period, the fall in estrogen after the high pregnancy levels that prolong anagen is the proposed trigger, with onset typically around three to four months after delivery. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by the hair pull test and evaluation for thyroid disease, , and other causes. Reported course is spontaneous resolution within six to twelve months. The role of iron status in severity is debated, and treatment evidence is limited.
Where it comes up
- Postpartum hair lossPostpartum: Your Body
- Your changing body and how you feel about itPregnancy: Mind and Life
- Anemia and exhaustion after birthPostpartum: Your Body
What mothers here say about telogen effluvium
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Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology — Hair loss information, telogen effluvium patient guidance