subject: Stress and Hair Loss [print this page] Stress and Hair Loss Stress and Hair Loss
Almost everyone, females and males alike, want a full head of healthy hair. Sometimes, genetics steps in and takes the matter out of our hands, but in many cases, hair loss can be reversed, especially if it is caused by stress. A poor diet and stress can take a damaging toll on your physical health and one of the first places it shows is through loss of hair. It may at first become a little different through a change of texture. Before long you may notice your hair becoming thinner which will be backed up by more and more hairs being left in the shower drain. Luckily, you may be able to stop and reverse the process. Here is a look at stress and hair loss, and what you can do about it.
Stress and hair loss can happen to both men and women. When a loss of hair is attributed to stress, it is classified as nonscarring alopecia. Other things that can cause this type of hair loss include iron deficiency, pregnancy, scalp radiation, certain drugs, skin disorders, and some medical conditions. It is thought that stress and hair loss are linked in three ways. Nonscarring alopecia areata occurs when your white blood cells attack your hair follicles so your hair stops growing and eventually falls out. Telogen effluvium is a condition where severe stress triggers a reaction that pushes a large number of hairs into the resting phase. The result is that after a few months the hairs suddenly all fall out when you are washing or brushing your hair. Trichotillomania is a compulsion to pull your own hair out. This obviously leads to hair loss and may be triggered by stress, anxiety, and frustration.
If you notice a sudden hair loss, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor to determine the cause. You may need to undergo treatment to help you relieve stress and learn various stress reduction techniques. Stress isn't always emotional. Illness and disease can cause physical stress on the body that can trigger hair loss and in that case your thinning hair could be a symptom of a dangerous medical condition you need treatment for.To stop your hair thinning and to regrow your hair, you must relieve your stress in whatever manner it takes whether medical treatment or do-it-yourself stress relief techniques. Then you will need to replenish and strengthen your body so you can grow healthy hair once again. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and taking vitamins and supplements.
Typical treatments may also help regrow hair that falls out as a result of stress. This includes natural remedies like rosemary, peppermint, and sage. Knowing there is a confirmed link between stress and hair loss, you should take steps to minimize the stress in your life. Since it is impossible to live a totally stress-free existence, it is vital to learn coping skills such as relaxation, meditation, or even moderate intensity exercise so you can relieve tension before it brings harm to your body and hair.
Remember to check out Sacred Hair Growth for a report on how to grow healthy luscious hair.
