Telogen Effluvium (Stress/Illness Related Hair Fall)

What is Telogen Effluvium (Stress/Illness Related Hair Fall)

Telogen Effluvium is a temporary, yet distressing condition where a large number of hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle, causing diffuse hair shedding all over the scalp rather than in patches.

Causes / Risk Factors

Emotional stress (grief, anxiety, shock, overthinking)
Severe illness, high fever, surgery, accidents
Postpartum (after childbirth) hair fall
Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, protein)
Hormonal changes (thyroid imbalance, stopping birth control pills)
Certain medications (antidepressants, blood thinners, chemotherapy)

Clinical Features:

Diffuse hair thinning across the scalp (not patchy)
Excess hair found on pillow, comb, bathroom drain
Hair pull test positive (more than normal shedding when pulled gently)
No scarring, scalp looks healthy
Patient feels anxious seeing “handfuls of hair fall”

Conventional Management:

Multivitamins, iron, biotin
Minoxidil lotions
Stress management counseling
Usually recovery in 6–9 months if cause is removed

Homeopathic Perspective

Homeopathy is highly effective in Telogen Effluvium as it deals with the root triggers like stress, shock, hormonal imbalance, or nutritional weakness.
Medicines are selected after detailed history of mental state, past illness, and constitution, so that hair regrowth is natural and permanent.
Unlike conventional methods, homeopathy ensures hair fall not only stops but also new healthy hair grows back.

Common Homeopathic Medicines:

Natrum Muriaticum – Hair fall after grief, disappointment, emotional stress.
Phosphoric Acid – Hair loss due to prolonged mental stress, weakness after illness.
Sepia – Hair fall after childbirth, hormonal imbalance in women.
Kali Carb – Hair loss with weakness, hair falling from temples.
Silicea – Weak, brittle hair, poor nutrition, nervous individuals.