In late October, my partner, Alex, was hospitalized due to septic shock, spending three days in the ICU followed by over three weeks of recovery. This was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times we’ve faced. While Alex didn’t have COVID-19, the symptoms were eerily similar, prompting doctors to test for the virus multiple times. Once home and relieved, we started noticing something alarming: Alex’s hair was falling out in clumps—filling sinks, shower drains, and even covering the pillow each morning. As I write this in late February, the hair loss continues.
As someone who cares deeply for my partner, it was distressing to witness this sudden change after such a close call with illness. It felt as if the trauma was resurfacing, and I feared that we might soon face another hospital stay.
We consulted Alex’s physician, who diagnosed the condition as telogen effluvium. For those unfamiliar, this temporary hair loss is often triggered by extreme stress on the body. According to Harvard Health Publishing, typically, 85% to 90% of your hair is in a growth phase at any given time, while the remainder is resting. However, in cases of telogen effluvium, significant stress can push a greater number of hairs into the resting phase, leading to a loss of about 300 hairs daily rather than the usual 100.
Interestingly, Alex isn’t alone in this struggle. Over the past year, Google searches related to hair loss increased by 8%, totaling around 829,000 searches in the U.S. While hair loss is frequently associated with middle-aged men, women are more prone to telogen effluvium, particularly after childbirth. A recent article in the New York Times highlighted that hair loss has become a common recovery symptom post-COVID, not just for those who contracted the virus but also for many coping with pandemic stress.
Dr. Emily Knight, a dermatologist at a local medical center, shared insights on pandemic-related hair loss, explaining that any significant stress—whether physical or emotional—can trigger this condition. “We’re all dealing with stress due to the pandemic, even if we haven’t been infected with Covid-19,” she noted.
Unfortunately, as per Harvard Health Publishing, there’s no definitive treatment for telogen effluvium, but most experts agree it’s a temporary issue. Alex’s doctor assured us it would resolve in a few months. They suggested consulting with a dietitian for potential dietary changes that might support hair growth and reviewing any medications that could be contributing to the problem. Some people have found success with minoxidil (Rogaine).
In Alex’s case, a little at-home haircut helped manage the situation. Thankfully, the hair loss was mostly at the sides and back, allowing for a cute, shorter style that made the thinning less noticeable—aside from the clogged sinks, of course.
If you find yourself dealing with hair loss during this challenging time, remember you are not alone. It may feel like one more setback in an already difficult year, but talking to your doctor can help, and if it is indeed telogen effluvium, you can expect improvement in time.
For more insights on this topic, check out one of our other blog posts here, and for authoritative information, visit Make a Mom or this excellent resource from the NHS on intrauterine insemination.
Probable Search Queries:
- Causes of hair loss
- Telogen effluvium symptoms
- Stress and hair loss
- Temporary hair loss treatment
- How to promote hair growth
Summary:
Hair loss can be a distressing experience, especially when linked to significant stress or illness. Telogen effluvium, a temporary condition, can result from emotional or physical stress, affecting many individuals today. It’s essential to understand that you’re not alone in this and that the condition is often reversible. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide guidance and reassurance.