What Is Acute Telogen Effluvium? Learn How It Causes Hair Loss and How To Reverse It

Trying to figure out what's causing your hair loss can be challenging, to say the least. Thinning hair can be caused by dozens, if not hundreds, of things, from as complex as genetics to medical diagnoses like thyroid conditions or a zinc deficiency, and something as simple as using the wrong shampoo for your hair. And sometimes, even after doing all the research, you just may not fit into the categories you're reading about (i.e. no health conditions, using safe products, etc.), but you're still experiencing hair loss.

Think back over the past year. In some cases, a specific event — rather than an ongoing health condition — sets off an episode of rapid hair loss. This phenomenon, called acute telogen effluvium, may not become noticeable until six to 12 weeks after the event. If you experienced any of the following we outline below within the past month and half to two months, your hair could be showing it now. Keep reading for different acute telogen effluvium causes.

The top causes of acute telogen effluvium

If you think you may be experiencing acute telogen effluvium, here are some possible causes that may have triggered it. The video below by @WilliamGaunitzTrichologist gives a simple explanation of cute telogen effluvium, and offers a few solutions that can help.

1. Acute telogen effluvium cause: New-to-you meds

Widely used prescription and over-the-counter drugs are a common trigger of hair loss in women, says New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, who specializes in hair care. Medications can affect us is many different ways, so it makes sense that it may have an affect our our hair. Potential troublemakers include the antacids Pepcid and Zantac, the pain reliever naproxen (Aleve), antidepressants such as Zoloft and Paxil, the acne drug Accutane, blood-thinning warfarin, beta-blockers for high blood pressure and oral steroids like prednisone. If you recently started a medication that lists hair loss as a possible side effect, ask your doctor about trying a different class of drug — for example, an ACE inhibitor instead of a beta-blocker. Dr. Fusco says hair growth generally resumes within three to six months after a problematic medication is stopped.

2. Acute telogen effluvium cause: Sudden stress

Stress is inevitable, but if you've experienced extra stress than usual lately, this could be contributing to your hair loss. For example, emotional upheaval caused by a death in the family, a job loss or another upsetting shock sets off a surge of stress hormones, which can then go on to attack hair follicles, says endocrinologist Sara Gottfried, MD. To support the healing process, she recommends practicing an active form of stress management. “Rather than just trying to ‘relax,’ focus on interpersonal feelings of forgiveness, love and gratitude,” she advises. “This raises levels of oxytocin, a master hormone that suppresses the stress response and has a stabilizing effect on other body systems.”

3. Acute telogen effluvium cause: A different diet

Tried a kooky cleanse that left you famished, faint and totally depleted? Your hair probably paid the price: Severe, prolonged restriction of calories and nutrients can shock follicles into dormancy, says physician nutrition specialist Melina Jampolis, MD. She says that after shedding — and after your diet stabilizes — hair growth recovers in about three months.

4. Acute telogen effluvium cause: Major surgery

Recently underwent surgery and notice increased hair shedding? In rare cases, says Dr. Fusco, drugs used for general anesthesia can precipitate hair loss up to three months after a procedure. Beyond that, the physical stress of undergoing and recovering from the surgery itself can temporarily shut down hair growth. Don’t let concerns about your locks hamper your recovery — after a one-time shed, hair fullness usually returns on its own.

For more on hair loss, click through these stories:

Low Estrogen Levels Can Be Linked To Thinning Hair: Here’s What Can Help

Your Androgen Levels May Be Causing Hair Loss — Here Are the Easy Ways to Fix It

Scalp Serum Benefits: How Using One Can Make Your Hair Stronger, Shinier and Thicker Fast