How Stress Causes Hair Loss
When faced with stressful situations, the body responds in a variety of ways. In addition to increased production of certain hormones, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure, excessive physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The type of stress involved with hair loss is not normal day-to-day stress. Rather, it involves an unexpected emotional shock or a terrible accident. The death of a loved one, either suddenly or after a long illness; a divorce; surgery; extended illnesses; or accidents such as vehicle crashes are all situations that can cause hair loss.
Two Types of Stress-Related Hair Loss
People normally lose about 100 hairs per day out of the 100,000 growing on the average scalp. Abnormal hair loss involves an overall thinning of hair, to loss of clumps or patches or of hair on the scalp or the body.
The most common type of stress-related hair loss is telogen effluvium. The hair in people with this condition stops growing and goes into a "resting phase." Two or 3 months later, the hair falls out. This delayed response can make it challenging for hair-loss sufferers to pinpoint the cause. The hair usually grows back within 6 to 9 months.
The other less common type of stress-induced hair loss is called alopecia areata, which happens when white blood cells attack the hair follicles (the hair roots), causing the hair to fall out in patches within several weeks. Such hair loss can involve the entire scalp or hair on the body. Special medical treatment may be needed to stop the body from attacking itself and allow for hair regrowth.
Why Does It Happen?
Physicians suspect that hormonal changes induced by stress cause hair loss. Such changes are known to occur in women during pregnancy and in people with thyroid disturbances, since the thyroid regulates certain hormones. In addition to stress, hair loss can be caused by genetic factors, aging, radiation therapy and hair styling practices such as blow drying and brushing.
Prognosis
Hair regrowth can occur anytime from months to 2 years once the stressful events pass. However, the cycle can repeat itself if the stress continues. Learning how to manage stress can help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, talk to your doctor. Hair loss can signal certain medical conditions that require treatment.
References
- "Encyclopedia of Medicine;" The American Medical Association
- Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, MD; Mayo Clinic; Rochester, Minnesota