What does telogen effluvium refer to?

Telogen effluvium refers to a condition characterized by temporary hair loss. This often occurs due to a variety of factors, such as stress, hormonal changes, illness, or significant life events like surgery or childbirth. In this condition, a larger-than-normal number of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle, leading to noticeable shedding and thinning.

While normal hair shedding is a part of the hair growth cycle, telogen effluvium specifically indicates a disruption, resulting in an increased rate of hair loss that is not typical. Root damage generally pertains to trauma to the hair follicles which may cause hair loss, but it does not capture the essence of telogen effluvium. Uncontrolled hair growth, such as hirsutism, describes a completely different condition that involves excessive hair growth. Therefore, the characterization of telogen effluvium as temporary hair loss is the most accurate description of the condition.