In late October, my partner, Sarah, was hospitalized due to a severe health crisis. She spent three days in intensive care and over three weeks recovering in the hospital. It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging periods of our lives. Although it wasn’t COVID, her symptoms mirrored those of the virus, leading to multiple tests during her stay. Once she returned home and we began to feel grateful, we noticed her hair started to come out in large clumps. It was alarming to see it accumulate in the sink, clog the shower drain, and fill her pillow every morning. Fast forward to February, and the shedding continues.
As someone deeply concerned for her well-being, it was frightening to witness this drastic change, making us worry that her health issues might resurface. We consulted with her physician, who diagnosed her with telogen effluvium. For those unfamiliar, this condition refers to temporary hair loss induced by significant stress on the body. According to Harvard Health Publishing, typically 85% to 90% of hair is actively growing at any given time, while the rest is in a resting phase. With telogen effluvium, stress can push a larger percentage of hair into this resting stage, leading to a loss of about 300 hairs a day instead of the usual 100.
Surprisingly, Sarah isn’t the only one facing hair loss. In the past year, online searches related to hair loss surged by 8%, totaling around 829,000 searches in the U.S. alone. While hair loss is often associated with middle-aged men, women are more frequently prone to telogen effluvium, especially postpartum. Furthermore, a recent article in the New York Times highlighted that hair loss is becoming a common symptom for those recovering from COVID, as well as those experiencing the stress of the pandemic.
Dr. Lucy Martinez, a dermatologist at a local medical college, conducted research on pandemic-related hair loss. In a discussion with the New York Times, she pointed out that severe stress, whether physical or emotional, can trigger this condition. “Even those who haven’t been infected with COVID-19 are still affected by the stress of living through it,” she explained.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for telogen effluvium, according to Harvard Health Publishing. However, experts agree that it is typically a temporary issue. Sarah’s doctor reassured us that it should resolve itself in a few months. It might be beneficial to consult with a dietitian for dietary changes that could promote hair growth or to review any medications that could be contributing to the problem. Some individuals have found success using minoxidil (Rogaine).
In Sarah’s case, she opted for a minor haircut. Thankfully, the hair loss has been primarily on the sides and back, allowing her to style it in a way that makes the thinning less noticeable. Well, aside from the clogged sinks we’ve been dealing with—but that’s an easy fix.
If you’re experiencing hair loss during these challenging times, remember you’re not alone. It may feel like yet another setback during an already tough year, but discussing it with your doctor can help. If it is indeed telogen effluvium, there’s a good chance your hair will eventually return to its former glory, along with the rest of the year.
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Summary
Experiencing hair loss can be distressing, especially during stressful times like a pandemic. Conditions like telogen effluvium can cause temporary shedding, affecting many, particularly women. While there’s no immediate treatment, it’s generally a temporary issue that can be improved with medical advice. If you’re facing similar challenges, remember you’re not alone, and consult your doctor for guidance.
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