Hair has a delayed reaction time. That is one reason “sudden shedding” can feel so confusing and scary. You make a change, feel fine, and then weeks later your hair starts coming out in a way you have never seen before.
If you recently stopped or switched birth control and noticed increased shedding, one possible explanation is telogen effluvium. It is a type of shedding that can happen after a stressor or change in the body, including hormonal shifts.
Let’s break down what that means in a way that actually helps.
First: shedding and hair loss are not the same
Shedding means more hairs than usual are moving into the resting phase of the hair cycle and then falling out. Hair loss can involve thinning patterns, widening parts, or other causes that may need different treatment.
If you are unsure which one you are dealing with, a dermatologist can help you identify what is happening and what to expect.
What is telogen effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a common cause of diffuse hair shedding. It can be triggered by many things: illness, stress, nutritional changes, childbirth, medications, or hormonal shifts.
The key detail is the delay. With telogen effluvium, the shedding typically starts a couple of months after the triggering event, not right away.
Why does it start months later?
Hair cycles through phases. When a trigger pushes more hairs into the resting phase, those hairs do not fall out immediately. They shed later, often around 2 to 3 months after the trigger.
That means:
- You stop or switch birth control
- Your body adjusts hormonally
- Weeks pass
- Then shedding starts, and it feels like it came out of nowhere
Knowing this timeline can make the experience feel less random and more understandable.
What “normal” can look like (and what is worth checking)
Everyone’s baseline is different, but some general guidance can help.
Common features of telogen effluvium:
- Diffuse shedding (more all over, not a single bald patch)
- Increased hair in the shower, brush, or on clothing
- Onset a few months after a trigger
- Often temporary, especially when the trigger is resolved
Reasons to get evaluated sooner:
- Bald patches or sharply defined areas of loss
- Scalp pain, burning, or significant scaling
- Shedding that continues beyond about 6 months
- Other symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or irregular cycles
- You suspect iron deficiency, thyroid issues, or another underlying cause
Your goal is not to self-diagnose. Your goal is to recognize when a professional evaluation is the best next step.
What you can do right now (without spiraling)
If you suspect a shedding phase, focus on low-risk, high-impact basics:
1) Be gentle with handling
Shedding hair is already on its way out. Aggressive brushing, tight styles, or harsh detangling just adds breakage on top of shedding.
2) Keep routines consistent
Constantly switching products out of panic can make it harder to track what helps. Pick a simple routine and stick with it for a few weeks.
3) Prioritize fundamentals
Hair is not a quick fix. If you are dieting hard, skipping protein, or under-eating, that can be another trigger. The most helpful question is: “What changed in the last 3 to 4 months?”
4) Take photos instead of guessing
Once a week, take the same photo in the same lighting. Hair changes are slow. Photos help you see trends instead of judging day by day.
The reassurance piece, with boundaries
Many cases of telogen effluvium improve over time. But if you are worried, or if it is not improving, you do not have to wait it out alone. A dermatologist can confirm whether it looks like shedding, hair loss, or both, and can help you rule out common contributors.
You are not “crazy” for feeling upset. Hair is emotional. The best next step is clarity, not panic.
