10/25/2025
Yes — sudden hair loss and hormone imbalance can be symptoms of Long COVID, and many people are still experiencing these issues months after recovering from the initial infection. Here’s a breakdown:
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💇♀️ Why Hair Loss Happens After COVID
1. Telogen Effluvium:
This is the most common cause. The body goes through extreme stress (fever, infection, inflammation, emotional strain), which can push hair follicles into the “shedding phase.” Hair often falls out in handfuls about 2–3 months after the illness.
2. Inflammation and Immune Response:
COVID-19 can trigger widespread inflammation, affecting hair follicle health and the scalp environment.
3. Nutrient Depletion:
Post-viral fatigue and changes in appetite can cause deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin — all critical for healthy hair growth.
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⚖️ Hormone Imbalance After COVID
COVID may disrupt the endocrine system, leading to irregularities in:
• Cortisol (stress hormone): Chronic stress post-COVID can keep this elevated, worsening fatigue and hair shedding.
• Thyroid hormones: In some cases, COVID triggers thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid).
• S*x hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone): Post-COVID inflammation can cause temporary dips or fluctuations, leading to mood changes, acne, weight gain, or hair thinning.
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🩺 What You Can Do
1. Get Bloodwork:
Ask your provider to test:
• Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
• Ferritin, Iron, Vitamin D, B12, Zinc
• Hormones (cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA)
2. Support Hair Regrowth:
• Focus on protein-rich nutrition (eggs, salmon, nuts, greens).
• Consider biotin, collagen, and omega-3s (consult your provider).
• Use gentle, strengthening haircare (Aveda Invati or Botanical Repair are great).
• Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals, or heat damage.
3. Reduce Stress:
Meditation, prayer, journaling, or gentle exercise can calm the nervous system and balance cortisol.
4. Medical Treatments:
• If hormone imbalance is significant, your provider may suggest bioidentical hormone therapy or thyroid support.
• For persistent hair loss, PRP treatments, scalp therapies, or prescription topicals may help restore growth.