In late October, my partner, Jamie, faced a medical emergency that led to a three-day stay in the ICU. The situation was incredibly stressful for both of us, and although she didn’t have COVID, her symptoms resembled those associated with the virus. After her discharge and while we were grateful for her recovery, we noticed a troubling side effect: her hair began to fall out in clumps. It was alarming to see so much hair in the sink, shower drain, and on her pillow each morning, and even now, in late February, the shedding continues.
As a devoted partner, watching Jamie go through this was terrifying. We felt a sense of dread, as if her illness might return or something new was at play. When we consulted her doctor, we learned she was experiencing telogen effluvium. For those unfamiliar, this condition leads to temporary hair loss triggered by significant stress. Harvard Health Publishing explains that usually, around 85% to 90% of your hair is actively growing, while the rest is in a resting phase. In cases of telogen effluvium, a body change or trauma pushes more hairs into the resting phase, causing an average person to lose about 300 hairs a day instead of the usual 100.
Interestingly, Jamie isn’t the only one dealing with hair loss. Over the past year, there has been an 8% increase in Google searches related to hair loss, translating to approximately 829,000 searches in the U.S. alone. While hair loss is often associated with middle-aged men, women are more commonly affected by telogen effluvium, especially after childbirth. Moreover, many people are experiencing this issue as a result of the stress brought on by the pandemic.
Dr. Sarah Kim, a dermatologist at Central Medical Center, conducted research on hair loss related to the pandemic. In a conversation with the New York Times, she stated, “Any type of severe stress can trigger it, whether it’s physical stress from illness or emotional stress such as losing a loved one. Even if someone hasn’t contracted COVID-19, the stress of living through this pandemic affects us all.”
Unfortunately, Harvard Health Publishing notes that there is no official treatment for telogen effluvium. However, most experts agree that this condition is usually temporary. Jamie’s doctor reassured us that her hair loss should resolve in a few months. They suggested consulting a dietitian for dietary adjustments that might encourage hair growth and checking with her doctor about any medications that could be contributing to the issue. Some individuals have found success with minoxidil (Rogaine).
In Jamie’s case, she opted for a small at-home haircut. Thankfully, the hair loss has primarily been on the sides and back of her head, so she managed to style it in a way that minimizes the appearance of thinning hair. Of course, we’ve had our fair share of unclogging drains, but that’s a minor inconvenience.
If you’re experiencing hair loss during this challenging time, know that you’re not alone. Talk to your doctor about it, and hopefully, if it’s due to telogen effluvium, your hair will gradually improve—along with the rest of the year. For further insights, you can explore this helpful article on home insemination kits, or check out this resource for more information on the subject. Also, don’t miss this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination: WebMD’s guide on IUI success.
Search Queries:
- Causes of hair loss
- Telogen effluvium treatment options
- Stress and hair loss connection
- How to manage hair shedding
- Diet changes for hair health
In summary, experiencing hair loss can feel isolating, especially during stressful times like these. However, recognizing that this is a common issue can offer some comfort. Consulting with healthcare professionals can help address the underlying causes and provide guidance for recovery.