Pandemic Stress Has Caused a Hair Loss Crisis

The hair loss didnt happen gradually or subtly; it was sudden and alarming.

I cried often and felt hopeless.

I was terrified of people seeing me with this hair.

McGraw is far from alone.

What exactly is causing former COVID patients to lose their hair?

Spiked stress levels can disrupt the hair’s natural growth cycle and lead to excessive shedding and hair loss.

Fortunately, when it comes to telogen effluvium, the hair loss isnt permanent, Mill said.

Some have even chosen to shave their heads as a way to reduce the emotional toll of hair loss.

But the number one way to combat hair loss is to reducecortisol, the stress hormone.

The first way you might decrease cortisol is to prioritize sleep, Mill said.

Cortisol levels drop and melatonin increases when we sleep, so getting adequate sleep is crucial.

Another easy technique to reduce cortisol is to practicedeep breathing, she added.

Focus on reducing stress in your life, eating well and getting more sleep to help reduce cortisol levels.

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2021;397(10270):220-232. doi.

10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32656-8.