In late October, my partner, Sarah, was hospitalized for septic shock. She spent three days in the ICU and over three weeks recovering. It was undoubtedly one of the most stressful periods we’ve faced. Although she didn’t have COVID, the symptoms she experienced were strikingly similar. So much so, that she underwent three tests for the virus during her hospital stay. Once she returned home and we began to feel grateful for her recovery, we noticed her hair starting to come out in clumps. It filled the sink and shower drain and covered her pillow every morning. As I pen this article in late February, the hair loss continues.
As a devoted partner, it’s frightening to have such a near miss—thinking everything is fine, only to watch Sarah struggle daily with her hair falling out. It felt like the illness might be returning or that something new was developing, leaving us anxious about another hospital visit.
Naturally, we consulted Sarah’s doctor about this alarming development, who diagnosed her with telogen effluvium. For those unfamiliar with it, this condition refers to temporary hair loss triggered by severe stress on the body. According to Harvard Health Publishing, 85% to 90% of hair is typically in a growth phase, while the remainder is resting. However, in cases of telogen effluvium, stress can push a larger number of hairs into the resting phase prematurely, leading to a loss of approximately 300 hairs a day instead of the usual 100.
And Sarah isn’t the only one facing this issue. In the past year, Google searches for hair loss have increased by 8%, translating to around 829,000 searches in the U.S. alone, as reported by Spate, a data analytics firm. While hair loss is often associated with middle-aged men, women are more frequently affected by telogen effluvium. This phenomenon is particularly common after childbirth, and, according to a recent article by the New York Times, hair loss following COVID infections has become a widespread recovery symptom. Moreover, the stresses of living through a pandemic are contributing to widespread hair loss.
Dr. Emily Turner, a dermatologist, conducted research on pandemic-related hair loss, highlighting that any severe stress—be it physical illness or emotional turmoil like losing a loved one—can trigger telogen effluvium. “Even those who haven’t contracted COVID-19 are feeling the repercussions,” she noted.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for telogen effluvium, as stated by Harvard Health Publishing. However, many experts agree that it is a temporary condition. Sarah’s doctor reassured us that it would resolve itself in a few months. They also suggested consulting a dietitian for potential dietary changes that could aid hair growth and reviewing any medications she was taking that might contribute to the issue. Some individuals have found success with minoxidil (Rogaine).
In Sarah’s case, she opted for a little at-home haircut. Fortunately, the hair loss has primarily affected the sides and back of her head, allowing her to adopt a cute shorter style that makes the thinning less noticeable—aside from the sinks we’ve been clearing out, of course. But that’s a simple fix.
If you’re experiencing hair loss during these tumultuous times, know that you’re not alone. This can feel like yet another challenge in an already difficult year. Don’t hesitate to discuss this with your doctor, and if it is due to telogen effluvium, there’s a good chance your hair will gradually improve—hopefully alongside the rest of the year. For additional insights, check out our other blog post for more information on the subject. Moreover, you can refer to this excellent resource for further guidance on pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, experiencing hair loss can be a frightening and isolating experience, but it’s important to remember that many people are facing the same struggles. Seeking advice from healthcare professionals can help you navigate this challenging time.
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