Telling the difference between androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium

Female hair loss can have many causes, some of which have similar symptoms (apart from hair loss, obviously). It is extremely important to ensure that you are diagnosed properly and find out the exact cause of your hair loss, as only then can you receive effective treatment.

Androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium are both conditions which cause hair to thin or fall out, and they are often mistaken for one another. The following is a little advice to help you figure out which of the conditions you actually have.

Telogen effluvium is different to androgenic alopecia in that it is often caused by hormonal changes and imbalances, such as pregnancy, the menopause or thyroid problems. As well as undergoing extensive blood tests to identify any hormonal imbalances, you should also try to recap the last year or so with the aim of recalling any traumatic or excessively stressful events or situations you’ve experienced.

If your blood tests come back negative and nothing traumatic has happened to you, the chances are your hair loss is caused by the hereditary condition known as androgenic alopecia. Unlike telogen effluvium, this condition is ongoing and permanent. However, you can find solutions to help you with hair loss management, such as human hair wigs or other hair replacement techniques.