Stress and Hair Loss- Its Causes

Stress has been closely associated with temporary hair loss for a few years now. As more and more individuals report hair loss as a symptom while going through periods of high stress (such as divorce, lost jobs, deaths in the family, and even childbirth) more doctors are looking into the medical connection of these two conditions.Causes of Stress and Hair Loss

No matter what the cause, or what the treatment might be, she can’t begin to resolve the issue until she has identified the cause. And don’t let her go to a salon to ask the “opinion” of a stylist there. One of two things will happen: Either the stylist will be a good one and will immediately refer her to her physician, or will be a bad one and suggest a wide variety of “tips” and remedies that will be ineffective and possibly do more harm in the long run by delaying your friend from seeking proper care and advice. Stylists are not trained in diagnosis nor are we licensed to dispense medical advice. We are trained to spot potential problems that should be seen by a doctor, but we should never try to suggest any treatment for a condition with a medical source.

Hair loss from stress may be distressing as you notice thinning throughout the whole scalp. It may be unattractive to find chunks of hair loss while you are braiding your hair or curling it for a night out on the town.

For women as well as men, stress hair loss can mean even more stress in your life. But instead of feeling additional stress, look at your hair loss as your body’s central nervous system’s way of communicating a problem. Your hair is part of an early warning distress system that may be warning you the medication you are taking is not helpful or you need to take a vacation to avoid stress. Reducing stress can stop stress hair loss so consider trying relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation.

Intense stress can also trigger a type of hair loss called alopecia areata. In this condition, white blood cells attack the hair follicle, which stops hair growth. Within weeks, the affected hair falls out. With alopecia areata, hair loss usually starts as a small round patch but may eventually spread to the whole scalp – and sometimes to body hair as well. Your hair may grow back. But hair loss treatment may be necessary.

The generation of mums who have been trying to do it all – work, maintain a home and relationship and raise children – are the worst hit, paying the price for long hours at work and home with stress-related illnesses.

The survey found that females between the age of 35 and 45 are the most likely to suffer from stress-related conditions such as eczema, migraines and high blood pressure.