Telogeenivetäjä

Telogeenivetäjä is a Finnish term that translates roughly to "telogen puller" or "telogen extractor." It refers to a specific type of hair loss, or more accurately, a phase of the hair growth cycle where a significant number of hairs are in the telogen phase. The telogen phase is the resting stage of hair growth, and at the end of this phase, the hair naturally sheds.

When an unusually large number of hair follicles simultaneously enter and then exit the telogen phase, it can result in a noticeable increase in hair shedding. This condition is commonly known in medical terms as telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that is usually triggered by a stressor, such as major surgery, childbirth, significant emotional stress, rapid weight loss, or certain medications.

The characteristic feature of telogeenivetäjä is diffuse shedding across the scalp, rather than distinct bald patches. Individuals experiencing this may notice more hair in their brush, in the shower drain, or on their pillow. The hair itself typically appears normal in thickness and texture.

The prognosis for telogeenivetäjä is generally good, as the hair growth cycle usually corrects itself once the underlying trigger is removed or resolved. Hair regrowth can take several months. Diagnosis often involves a medical history, examination of the scalp, and sometimes blood tests to rule out other causes of hair loss. Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of the increased shedding.