After 2 Surgical Procedures, I Was Diagnosed with Chronic Telogen Effluvium

I think I’m suffering from CTE, without any obvious triggers. I’m 30 years old. Only on my fathers side is there a history of hair loss, which for all the males started after age 50.

A year ago I had two back-to-back surgeries, and several months later noticed shedding and that my hair was noticeably thinner. Thinking TE, I decided to let it run its course. 8 months later I decided to get an evaluation as although the shedding had abated, I wasn’t seeing visible improvement. Under a microscope the levels of miniaturization were found to be well under 10% across my scalp. However, the hair count on the top was noticeably less.

The hair-pull was positive (I had washed that morning) and I got an HMI reading of 84 on my vertex. The next month I saw a massive shedding increase and went in for another check. HMI then 59, exactly 2 months later – a 30% drop. Miniaturization was still found to be low. Neither that hair specialist nor a dermatologist could offer anything other than CTE. However, other than the dandruff I’ve had most of my life (which has been under control, although it flared in that 2 month period), I haven’t had any other stressors. I recently had blood work for iron, thyroid, CRP, and autoimmune markers: all clean. At the suggestion of both doctors I started minoxidil to help “kick start” the growth. However, the CTE (if it is) without an obvious trigger is worrisome.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I’ve read there are several alopecias that can mimic both CTE and AG

Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) has no cure. Sometimes minoxidil works and this is frequently recommended by many doctors. You may have to just wait it out.