Hair Loss And Stress

Is Stress A Cause Of Hair Loss?

Stress is a major factor in so many health conditions, including hair loss. The psychological burden we have to endure eventually takes its toll on our bodies. Today we very well know that psychological conditions and problems have direct effects on our bodily processes. For example, stress can cause pimples because it changes hormones. Besides, psychosomatic conditions reveal the relationship between mental states and the body. If you do not lose your hair due to genetic factors and health issues, then your hair shedding may be caused by psychological factors such as stress.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a condition where your hair starts to spend more time on the resting phase. When your hair follicles do not stay on the growth phase as long as they should, they would shed early, leading to low hair density. This is a common condition that may be caused by many reasons such as hormonal issues, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and traumatic events.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can cause sudden hair loss on your scalp. When you have this condition, your immune system sends white blood cells to your hair follicles to fight them as if they are not a part of your own body. This process eventually causes damage to your hair follicles and widespread hair loss. Alopecia areata can also affect the other hair parts of your body but it is more common in your scalp. This condition can be treated with medication and your hair grows back however it may come back again. Alopecia areata may be triggered by various reasons, including stress.

Other Causes Of Hair Loss

Stress is not the only cause of hair loss and other factors contribute to hair shedding. Genetics, hormonal issues, several diseases, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy, and birth control pills are all potential factors that can cause your hair to fall out. If you experience significant hair thinning, you should consult a doctor to discover the underlying cause of hair shedding. If it is related to health conditions, you can receive the right treatment for both health conditions and hair loss.

Trichotillomania

Also called hair-pulling disorder, trichotillomania is a condition where you cannot help pulling your hair. Greek trich means hair in Greek; tillien means 'to pull'; and mania corresponds to 'madness, euphoria'. So etymologically, it means that you have an excessive desire for hair pulling that it is maddening. This is a condition anxious or stressful people get. The irresistible urge to pull your hair will result in damaged hair follicles and broken hair shafts in the skin.

Treatment Options For Stress-Related Hair Loss

Stress-induced hair shedding is a common problem experienced by many people. The only way to permanently treat stress-related hair loss is to avoid stress. There are a variety of methods to relieve stress if you cannot prevent it from your life completely. You can avoid stressful situations and toxic people in your life; however, you cannot avoid stress completely. So the best way to handle stress is to relax your mind and body, which is also called stress management. Aromatherapy, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and listening to relaxing music are a few of the stress management techniques.

Apart from stress management techniques, you can make lifestyle changes to become more resilient. You can reduce the number of foods and drinks containing caffeine, eat a healthy diet, be around people that make you happy, get regular exercise, and practice self-care. All the habits nurturing your soul and body will help you be more resistant to stressful events and help you minimize its effects in every area of your life.