AboutMelanie Vonzabuesnig Expertise Female hair loss is my main focus. Women today are very susceptible to several types of hair loss including telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia. I can answer questions about the causes and types of female hair loss. I can share information about natural holistic remedies to improve female hair loss conditions.
Experience My interest in female hair loss sprung from my own experience with extensive hair loss. Determined to grow my hair back, I diligently studied every piece of information I could find on the biology of hair growth. After successfully re-growing my hair with safe and effective natural products, I felt compelled to learn more and to share this information with other women. I am experienced in blending custom hair loss formulas. I am also experienced in writing about female hair loss issues.
Publications My hair loss information has been included in The Truth about Womens Hair Loss by Spencer Kobren, Naturally Healthy Skin by Stephanie Tourles, Alternative Healing by Bill Gottleib and Natural Health Magazine. I am the author of several books on hair loss.
Education/Credentials I am a certified aromatherapist specializing in formulas for scalp and hair conditions.
Question QUESTION: I am 40 year old male. I have no history MPB in my family.
I was diagnosed with telogen efflevium by my GP + Derm.
Started excessive shedding approx October 08 - Dec 08 @ 80 -100, then
Jan 09 - present @ 30 - 40 hairs. I definitely notice thinning,
most notibly in the cowlick, but no bald area. On the advice of the docs,
I started Rogaine in Nov 08 to assist w TE recovery. My shedded hair has
the bulb at the end, but last month started to notice a mix. Some
with, some without.
I'm beginning to get skeptical of the diagnosis due the time it's taken.
Is this a typical shedding timeframe for TE?
Or does this shedding time + progress more representative of MBP?
I waited to go back to the docs due to insurance issues, beside they mostly
dismiss it. I would really appreciate your honest advice.
Thank you.
ANSWER: Hello Dave: There is no set or usual amount of time that shedding lasts for telogen effluvium. It largely depends on the cause of the telogen effluvium and whether the underlying cause has been treated (or the body has adjusted.) The over-all health and well-being of the individual also must be considered. There are so many possible causes of telogen effluvium. Some are minor and others may require medical attention or other adjustments. Telogen effluvium can become a chronic condition.
Excessive shedding is indicative of telogen effluvium rather than male pattern baldness. With MPB, rather than actual hair loss, the hairs become thinner and weaker, providing less scalp coverage. Sometimes telogen effluvium does precede MPB.
It is impossible to count the number of fallen hairs per day. Although it is normal to lose 80-100 hairs per day, this hair loss is mostly unnoticed. As of now it seems the amount of fallen hairs you are noticing has decreased quite a bit. I am not an advocate of synthetic topical treatments. Essential oils are very potent and effective but they are natural and do not cause the adverse side effect of synthetic treatments. Discontinuing use of these synthetic treatments usually causes any new regrowth to fall out. That is not true of essential oil treatments.
Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig
Understanding Female Hair Loss http://www.vzbotanicals.com/overcomefemalehairloss.html
My Hair Loss Story http://www.vzbotanicals.com/mystory.html
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QUESTION: Mrs Vonzabuesnig,
I understand that there are no certainties. Just so, I am clear. Are you saying that my hair loss progression is more characteristic of TE? If so, is it possible to go bald with TE? I would just like to come to peace with it or look at how I can manage it.
Thank you so much for your time and advice.
David
Answer Hello David: Your hair loss does sound more like TE because of the excessive shedding rather than gradual, progressive thinning. Te causes diffuse hair loss, not total baldness. Although it can become severe and quite extensive. Because you are now losing less hairs than previously you may be at the end of your shedding. If you really are only losing 50 hairs per day, you are in good shape. A common test for telogen effluvium is called the "pull test" If you grab a small handful of hair and gently pull should end up with 1-4 hairs. If you do this on various areas of the scalp and consistently have more than 1-4 hairs it indicates telogen effluvium. The thinning areas that you are now noticing may be from the previous shedding.
Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig
