In late October, my partner, Sarah, faced a serious health crisis that landed her in the hospital due to septic shock. After spending three days in the ICU and several weeks recuperating, we were both relieved to finally be back home. However, soon after her return, we noticed something alarming—her hair started falling out in large clumps. It quickly became a daily occurrence, filling the sink and shower drain, and even covering her pillow each morning. As I write this in late February, the hair loss continues.
As someone who deeply cares for Sarah, it’s frightening to witness her struggle after such a close call with her health. The sight of her losing handfuls of hair each day made me worry that her illness might be resurfacing or that something new was wrong. We sought answers from her doctor, who diagnosed her with telogen effluvium—a temporary condition characterized by excessive hair loss due to significant stress on the body.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, during typical hair growth cycles, 85% to 90% of hair is actively growing, while the remaining hair is in a resting phase. However, in cases of telogen effluvium, various stressors can force a larger percentage of hair into the resting phase, leading to an average loss of about 300 hairs daily instead of the usual 100.
Interestingly, Sarah isn’t alone in this struggle. Over the past year, searches for hair loss have surged by 8%, equating to around 829,000 inquiries in the U.S. While hair loss is often associated with middle-aged men, women are particularly susceptible to telogen effluvium, especially after childbirth. Recent findings also suggest that experiencing COVID-19 can lead to hair loss during recovery. Even for those who haven’t contracted the virus, the stress of navigating a pandemic has spurred hair loss for many.
Dr. Emily Carter, a dermatologist at a leading medical institution, remarked on this issue, stating, “Severe stress can trigger telogen effluvium, whether due to physical illness or emotional turmoil like losing a loved one. Though not everyone has been infected with COVID-19, we’re all dealing with its impact.”
Unfortunately, there is no designated treatment for telogen effluvium, but experts agree that it’s typically a temporary condition. Sarah’s doctor reassured us that her hair loss would likely resolve in a few months. Additionally, Harvard Health suggests consulting a dietitian for dietary changes that may aid hair growth or discussing medications that could be contributing to the issue. Some individuals have found success with minoxidil (Rogaine).
To cope with her hair loss, Sarah opted for a cute at-home haircut. Since the hair loss has mainly affected the sides and back of her head, she styled her hair in a way that makes it less noticeable—unless you happen to look at the clogged drains!
If you find yourself losing hair during this challenging year, remember that you are not alone. Though it may feel like just another setback, reach out to your doctor for guidance, and hopefully, your hair will return to normal along with brighter days ahead.
For further insights into self-care during this time, check out this related post on home insemination, or explore resources on managing hair loss through trusted sites like PCOS Resources and March of Dimes.
Search Queries:
- Hair loss after stress
- Telogen effluvium causes
- Home remedies for hair loss
- How to cope with hair loss
- Hair growth tips for women
Summary: Hair loss, particularly telogen effluvium, is an increasingly common issue, especially during stressful times like the pandemic. This temporary condition often affects women more than men and can result from both physical and emotional stress. If you’re experiencing hair loss, consult your doctor for advice and remember that you’re not alone in this struggle.