What Are The Signs Of Hair Loss Due To Stress
Stress-related hair loss from telogen effluvium is usually abrupt, diffuse, and temporary. Most people with this kind of hair loss caused by stress will notice sudden shedding two or three months after the stressful event. The shedding is diffuse, meaning that hair is lost all over rather than from particular spots . If you are experiencing this type of hair loss due to stress, you may notice a wider hair part or a smaller ponytail.
The good news? This form of stress-related hair loss is usually temporary. Once the stressor is removed, hair will usually regrow on its own. However, the hair regrowth process is slow. It can take up to a year for hair regrowth after stress-related hair loss. But I have some tips on how to regain hair loss from stress, so you can get back to your regular hair density more easily. Keep reading to learn more about how to regain hair loss from stress.
Ways To Reverse Hair Loss From Stress
Can hair loss be related to stress? The bad news is yes, but the good news is that stress-induced hair loss is usually temporary.
âTelogen effluvium is the scientific name for stress-induced hair loss,â Robert Haber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, tells WebMD Connect to Care. Haber says the sources of stress that can lead to this condition include:
- Childbirth
- Emotional stress
- Significant weight loss
âFortunately, if the hair loss is strictly due to the stress, complete recovery often occurs after several months to a year,â Haber says.
If youâve been affected by hair loss from stress, there are some important steps you can take.
Managing Ongoing Hair Thinning
Breast cancer treatments such as hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy can cause some people to have ongoing mild to moderate hair loss. If youre concerned that your hair isnt growing back or is noticeably thinner than in the past, its a good idea to see a dermatologist. If possible, seek out one who specializes in hair loss or an onco-dermatologist who focuses on problems with the hair, skin, and nails that can develop during cancer treatment. The dermatologist will order blood tests to check whether there are other reasons for your hair loss besides the effects of breast cancer treatments. Thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, and other factors can play a role in hair loss.
For mild to moderate hair loss, dermatologists often recommend Rogaine , an over-the-counter medication that promotes hair growth. Its safe for people with a history of breast cancer and moderately effective. But check with your oncologist before you start using minoxidil. In most cases, you can use it while you take hormonal therapy or targeted therapy, but not during chemotherapy treatment. Look for products labeled 5% minoxidil foam that you apply to your scalp when your hair and scalp are dry. Its ok for women to use minoxidil products labeled for men. Minoxidil is thought to stimulate hair growth by, among other things, improving blood flow in the scalp and prolonging the growth phase of each hair follicle.
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Covid Infection Might Also Cause Hair Loss
According to the experts, in some cases, the Covid-19 infection might also directly cause hair loss. Stress from lack of oxygen to the hair follicles, fever conditions, and disease pressure on the body can push hair follicles into the resting phase.
This is because the body shifts into survival mode during extreme illness, like Covid, to conserve energy for the most important functions. The doctors believe this may be one reason why hair growth is put on the backburner by the body.
The long length of a normal hair cycle means that hair loss after Covid can often go undetected. In many cases, hair loss might occur almost three months after infection.
This is also why doctors recommend that patients maintain a journal documenting the hair loss and severity. The dates can help pinpoint Covid-related hair loss, which would help patients in seeking the best treatment.
Can Ptsd Make Your Hair Fall Out
Those with PTSD will find that their stress hormones never return to normal levels and that their bodies choose to conserve energy and nutrients for essential functions of the body, preventing hair from regrowing once it is shed.
Those with PTSD suffer from being stuck in a fight-or-flight mode permanently, where loud noises or sudden changes in lighting can cause them to panic or become extremely distressed.
The effects of existing in fight-or-flight mode do not just affect their behaviour, but also the internal hormonal levels in the body. If the body is stuck in fight-or-flight, it will choose to preserve any nutrients for essential core functions of the body. As the hair is deemed non-essential, hair follicles do not get the nutrients they need to produce hair follicles. This means the hair will shed without being replaced, ultimately causing hair loss.
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Hair Loss From Stress: How Long Does It Last
Everyone loses up to 150 hairs from their head every single day. But, if youre losing more than usual or have started to notice patches on your scalp, this could point to an underlying cause.
Its thought that up to 68% of all men will experience hair loss at some time in their lives. Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss and is genetically pre-determined. It can even begin to happen as early as 20 years old.
Hair thinning is common for women as they age and according to NHS estimates, female pattern baldness affects 50% of women over the age of 65.
But what about hair loss from stress? Is this actually a thing and how long does it last?
Check out our pick for hair loss products here. These are what we have used.
Can Heartbreak Cause Hair Loss
Heartbreak is the most common cause of hair loss due to emotional stress or trauma. It can last for as long as the heartbreak goes on for, plus an additional 7 or 8 months for the hair to grow back properly.
This is because the emotional stress the heartbreak will shift hair follicles into the resting phase too quickly, preventing them from growing properly. The hair then moves into the shedding phase and starts again. However, if the emotional trauma is not addressed, the cycle happens again before the hair can grow properly.
Once the emotional stress has been resolved or is being resolved, the hair can start to regrow. However, this can take roughly 7 to 8 months, as all the hair that was pushed into the resting phase early needs to shed before it can regrow.
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Hair Loss Vs Shedding
Losing some hair strands is a normal thing its called shedding, and it is a part of a cycle that hair goes through for regeneration. On average, people have about 100,000 hairs and lose around 100 daily. Many factors contribute to excessive hair shedding periods, such as stress, hormonal changes, aging, and so on . Fortunately, its not that big of an issue.
Hair loss, on the other hand, can happen both because of internal and external factors and it prevents the hair from growing, disturbing the phases in the hair growth cycle:
- The anagen phase may last for years, and its the time when the hair actively grows.
- The catagen phase lasts for approximately 10 days, while the hair grows very slowly and separates from the follicle, serving as a kind of transition to the next phases.
- The telogen phase lasts around 3 months, and its the time when the hairs neither grow nor fall, and new hairs form in the hair follicle.
- The exogen phase shedding time, which can last up to 5 months. This is when the separated hairs are shed, usually helped by washing and detangling, and you’re experiencing what may look like hair loss. Most scientists consider the telogen and the exogen the same phase, which is why you might find studies that say there are only three phases and others that count four.
Chemotherapy And Hair Loss
Certain chemotherapy medicines used to treat breast cancer can cause the hair on your head to become thin or to fall out completely. Some chemotherapy medicines can also cause hair loss on other parts of your body, such as your eyebrows and eyelashes, pubic hair, and hair on your legs, arms, or underarms.
Whether you lose your hair and how much you lose depends on a variety of factors. This includes the type, combination, and dose of chemotherapy medicines you get, as well as other medical conditions , nutrition status, and stress. The timing of chemotherapy treatments also affects hair loss. Some types of chemotherapy are given weekly and in small doses, which may minimize hair loss. Other types of chemotherapy are scheduled every 3 to 4 weeks in higher doses and may be more likely to cause more hair loss.
Talk with your doctors before chemotherapy begins so you know what to expect in your individual situation. If you find out that you will be receiving chemotherapy medicines that are likely to cause hair loss, you may want to look into the possibility of using a scalp cooling system or manual cold caps during your infusion sessions to help limit the amount of hair you lose. Read more about preventing hair loss with Cold Caps and Scalp Cooling Systems.
Some of the chemotherapy medicines used to treat breast cancer that can cause hair loss are:
-
12 months: 46 inches of hair
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Habits And Lifestyle Changes
Changing your lifestyle and habits can often help to reduce stress. If you often feel stressed, try using the techniques below to limit your exposure to sources of stress and manage stress when you experience it:
If your hair loss is caused by chronic stress, understanding and coping with the stress in healthier ways may help you to regrow some or all of the hair that youve lost.
This is something that youll need to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Clinical Types Of Stress Hair Loss For Women
Hair thinning from stress happens to many people. You may just feel like your hair isnt as thick as it used to be, especially since youve been crumbling under the pressures of everyday stress. But there are some actual conditions that affect the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out much more than normal. Knowing the difference between the various medical conditions is crucial, so here is some background.
- Telogen effluvium is a condition that makes hair rush through its natural growth cycle, according to American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Stress causes hair to be pushed into the resting cycle, meaning less growth. When things go back to normal, the hairs get pushed out. It looks like handfuls of hair, but this is actually a sign of regrowth. It typically affects women 30 to 60 years of age and starts suddenly. It has a tendency to fluctuate for a period of years. This condition does not cause baldness.
- Alopecia actually means hair loss. This form of female pattern baldness can happen due to severe stress. However, there is little evidence that alopecia is stress-related. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out in round patches, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
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How Extreme Stress Causes Hair Loss
Stress levels are high, and for some, that could mean less hair on your head.
Indeed, science supports the notion that significant emotional stress may be linked to at least one type of hair loss: telogen effluvium. Here is what you need to know about this common type of stress-induced hair loss.
Excess hair shedding may be a sign of telogen effluvium.
Getty
Stress And Hair Loss: Potential Ways To Cope
Any number of stressful situations can trigger hair loss, including pregnancy, chronic illness, injury, relationship issues, financial concerns, poor nutrition, surgery, medications such as antidepressants, and even jet lag. To counteract stress and protect your hair, try these tips:
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques regularly
- Get regular exercise, which helps manage stress and its effects
- Spend time with positive people isolating yourself can make stress worse
- Seek professional help from a therapist
- Eat a healthy diet and take a multivitamin if your doctor recommends it
- Treat your hair with care when washing, drying, and styling it
Hair loss from stress doesnt have to be permanent. If it continues, talk to a doctor about a prescription or over-the-counter remedy to spark hair regrowth.
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Can Thin Hair Grow Back
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Accordingly, how do I make my hair thicker?
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What Are The Warning Signs Of Hair Loss
It can be hard to tell if youre losing hair especially if your hair loss happens gradually.
Instead, you may notice that your ponytails dont feel as thick, or that your scalp is more visible.
If youre unsure, ask your stylist if they have noticed any differences. This is especially important for women who are experiencing hair loss in areas that are difficult to see without someone elses help, such as the top of the scalp.
If you or your stylist suspect hair loss, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Generally, the sooner you act, the more hair you can save.
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Update: The Most Important Remedy To Regrow Your Hair
Its over a decade now that I have been researching and trying various home remedies to reduce hair loss and regrow lost hair.
The most important remedy to get an instant result is using homemade shampoo. Yes, homemade shampoo can make a terrific difference in just a week or two. Its a magical solution that will bring real quick results.
So now you must be wondering how can I make shampoo at home. And if I tell you its as easy as making instant noodles, will you not give it a try?
I have already done the tedious homework for you. Over the years I have tried a various combination of herbs and clays and other natural ingredients and have shortlisted only the best that nourish the follicles and promote hair growth.
And here are 4 most effective shampoos for hair loss.
If you are serious about regrowing your hair, then give the homemade shampoos a try.
The second important remedy for hair growth is using a wide-tooth wood comb. Its very soothing and relaxing on the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles to wake up and grow new hair. Alternatively, you can also use a wooden hairbrush to comb your hair.
And the third most important thing that many of you already know but conveniently ignore is Drinking Water. Our body is 70% water, and if it doesnt receive enough water it will not function well, and your hair will not thrive in the dehydrated environment.
I often get asked what are the best supplement for Hair Growth?
Best Supplements for Hair Growth
Ways To Regrow Lost Hair By A Dermatologist
Losing hair can be frustrating.
You might realize that your hair is much thinner than before looking at a mirror one day, and things might go downhill from there.
You see, the change in appearance is only the tip of the iceberg.
Studies found out that hair loss can also harm your mental health, hurting your self-image and confidence, and resulting in a low quality of life overall.
My years of experience as a dermatologist where Ive done hundreds of hair transplants also confirm that.
So lets change that.
I assure you, except for some extreme cases, theres always a way to get back to your natural hair.
Just like there are many different ways to stop hair loss.
From natural methods to surgeries, Ive compiled 32 different methods you can try to regain lost hair and treat male pattern baldness.
Lets see if we can help you:
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How To Treat Stress
Stress-induced hair loss is usually temporary. While hair loss medications minoxidil and finasteride can help you regrow the lost hair, an effective treatment is to change your lifestyle to reduce or eliminate the root causes of your stress.
Sometimes, stress-induced hair loss occurs as the result of a one-off stressful event, such as a death, breakup or traumatic experience. Surgical procedures can also cause you to shed some hair as part of the recovery process.
Its also possible to experience temporary hair loss after a severe illness, which can affect your hair growth cycle.
This type of one-off hair loss usually resolves by itself after three to six months, meaning you usually wont need to make any changes to your habits or lifestyle. Instead, its best to spend your time focusing on recovering from the traumatic or stressful event.
