Stress and hair loss...hair loss and stress, which comes first?
Research has shown that both sides have a strong argument; stress
undoubtedly affects the hair cycle and losing ones hair causes a lot of
stress. Below I have discussed the effects of stress and hair loss
looking at both sides of the equation. DOES STRESS CAUSE HAIR LOSS?
The role of stress on hair loss (alopecia) is controversial, however,
there is evidence that acute and/or chronic stress may precipitate
certain hair loss conditions. Genetic Hair Loss...
As male hormones trigger genetic hair loss, many researchers believe
that stress can aggravate the condition as, during stressful episodes,
the adrenal glands increase their output of certain hormones that can
lead to the production of more dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. Also,
some researchers believe that the skin becomes more sensitive to the
effects of testosterone during stress, thus increasing the chances of
hair loss. Telogen Effluvium...
Severe stress can also influence diffuse shedding of hair (telogen
effluvium), though this condition tends to be reversible. One possible
explanation for stress induced telogen effluvium could be that the
body's uptake of glucose is increased during a stress episode, leaving
less available for non-essential tissues, such as the hair, causing the
fiber to be shed prematurely. One study in Britain of 800 professional
women who worked in a stressful environment found that over 30% were
experiencing hair loss. Alopecia Areata...
Alopecia areata or "patchy" hair loss has also been connected to stress
episodes. One study showed that over 90% of patients with alopecia
areata were under more stress. As alopecia areata is believed to be
partly a product of an auto-immune response, the stress influence on
reducing the immune system is thought to be a factor in the condition. Trichotillomania...
Trichotillomania, the compulsive habit of repeatedly pulling the hair,
is also associated with stress, as well as more severe psychological
problems. Amongst other factors, it is stress that tends to be a very
important influence in both the onset and continuation of the condition. DOES HAIR LOSS CAUSE STRESS?
Obviously, people who are losing their hair tend to become very worried
about the consequences. Many cases have been reported of people
becoming introverted and withdrawn due to the worry of losing their
hair. This has been confirmed by research studies on men and women
losing their hair. It has been reported that many subjects felt their
lives changed and their stress levels increased after they noticed a
worsening of their hair quality/quantity, not before. |
