There are now numerous known types of hair loss as well as their underlying causes. Different types of problems are solved with different types of solutions. This also applies in hair loss. It is important for the type of hair loss to be diagnosed before it can be treated. Generally hair loss is related more to men than to women. However there are some hair disorders that tend to affect more women than men. Telogen effluvium is one such hair disorder. Knowing the root causes of the condition is essential before any treatment may be done.

The cycle of hair growth has a number of phases. The Anagen phase is one where the hair is actively growing and replacing old hairs. The next phase is called the Catagen phase where about the length of the hair shorten as the shafts undergo regression. The last phase is the Telogen phase. During this phase, the hair goes into a period of resting. There is the normal shedding of hair, about a 100 strands or less each day. The body sends a signal to the follicles for the cycle to start again. Sometimes this signal is not sent and the hair stays in the telogen phase longer than is normal. The process of shedding does not stop, and soon a lot of hair is lost.

There are two common underlying causes of this condition. The first cause is changes in the levels of sex hormones. This cause is attached to females as it involves the levels of the female hormones. Female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, increase significantly during pregnancy. These hormones are associated with hair growth as the time period of the anagen phase is increased. Hair continues to growth as normal. However, when a sudden change of hormones occurs, the anagen phase is forced to stop and hair enters into the telogen stage. This sudden change can occur after childbirth, a miscarriage or an abortion.

This type of effluvium is also caused by severe trauma which may be emotional or physical. After a traumatic experience, like the death of a loved one or some form of abuse, the telogen stage is triggered and the hair goes into resting. After undergoing surgery, the body experiences shock due to changes that would have occurred. The hair also experiences shock and goes into resting. This is also a common condition after hair transplantation surgery.

Certain diseases and medications have been known to cause the condition. Women who take contraceptives are prone to develop the condition even after use is discontinued. This is due to hormonal changes that occur and especially due to the presence of testosterone. Other medications include blood thinners, anti-thyroids, anticoagulants and cholesterol lowering drugs. Associated diseases include diabetes, anemia, and both types of thyrodism.

In all cases, Telogen effluvium starts being evident three months after the event had occurred. The loss of hair is mostly temporary and the cycle will restart after a period of time. When the condition is prolonged, it is an indication of diseases like the above mentioned.