Hair & Scalp Assessment
Sudden Hair Shedding
A noticeable increase in hair shedding can occur after illness, major stress, weight change, nutritional deficiency, hormonal change or other triggers.
Sudden or diffuse shedding should be assessed to identify possible causes and determine whether investigation is required.
Common Triggers of Sudden Shedding
Sudden shedding may be associated with:
- Recent illness
- Fever
- Surgery
- Significant stress
- Rapid weight loss
- Nutritional deficiency
- Iron deficiency
- Thyroid changes
- Hormonal changes
- Pregnancy or postpartum changes
- Certain medications
What Is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a form of diffuse hair shedding that can occur when a larger-than-usual number of hairs enter the resting and shedding phase.
The trigger may occur weeks or months before the shedding becomes noticeable.
When Should You Seek Assessment?
Consider medical review if:
- Shedding is persistent
- Hair density is visibly decreasing
- There are scalp symptoms
- Hair loss is patchy
- You have other medical symptoms
- There has been no obvious trigger
- Shedding is causing significant concern
Investigation
Depending on the history, investigation may include:
- Blood tests
- Iron studies
- Thyroid testing
- Nutritional assessment
- Medication review
- Scalp examination
- Trichoscopy
Next step
Arrange a consultation
Assessment in person is the only way to work out what is causing a skin concern and what can reasonably be done about it. Fees are explained before anything is arranged.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information only and is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation, or a substitute for individual medical advice. Conditions that look similar can have different causes, and what is suitable for one person may not be suitable for another. If you are unwell, in significant pain, or worried about a rapidly changing symptom, seek medical care promptly. In an emergency call 000.
- Written for patients by
- Dr Benyamin Mansoori, cosmetic physician & skin cancer doctor
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Benyamin Mansoori (MD, FRACGP, FACCSM), AHPRA MED0002097300
- Last medically reviewed