Dive deep into how stress and anxiety can lead to hair loss. Discover causes, symptoms, and Evinature’s natural solutions to ease your discomfort today.
Stress and anxiety are common psychological responses to challenging situations. Stress is the body’s reaction to any demand or threat, while anxiety is the persistent feeling of worry or fear about everyday situations. Both conditions can significantly impact physical health.
One of the key players in the body’s stress response is cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and the stress response. When stress becomes chronic, cortisol levels can remain elevated, leading to various health issues.
One such issue is hair loss. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing hair to enter the shedding phase prematurely. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, can result in noticeable hair thinning and loss.
Understanding the interplay between stress, anxiety, cortisol, and hair loss is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage stress and maintain overall health.
Can Stress and Anxiety Cause Hair Loss?
Emerging evidence shows that stress and anxiety can indeed can cause hair loss through various mechanisms. Significant stress can lead to Telogen Effluvium, where large numbers of hair follicles enter a resting phase, resulting in sudden hair shedding a few months later. Chronic stress elevates levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that impairs hair follicle stem cells and prolongs their resting phase, thus inhibiting hair growth. Additionally, stress can trigger or exacerbate autoimmune conditions, such as IBD, where the immune system attacks hair follicles. Managing stress and anxiety is crucial, as alleviating these factors can help in mitigating hair loss and promoting regrowth. Thus managing stress effectively can help prevent hair loss by maintaining healthy cortisol levels and supporting the natural hair growth cycle.
Types of stress that can cause hair loss
According to the Harvard Brain Science Initiative and HSCRB there are several types of stress that can affect hair loss. These include:
- Physical Stress such as illness, surgery, nutritional deficiencies or rapid weight loss
- Emotional Stress including trauma or major life events like the death of a loved one and chronic anxiety and depression
- Environmental Stress like exposure to toxins and environmental pollutants and extreme weather conditions
- Psychological Stress such as work, financial and academic pressures
- Hormonal Stress for instance during pregnancy or childbirth or during or after the menopause
- Hair Care and Styling Stress this includes frequent use of heat and harsh chemicals and improper hair hygiene
Symptoms of Hair Loss Due to Stress
- Diffuse thinning of hair
- Increased hair shedding during washing, brushing or even when lightly touching hair
- Patchy hair loss
- Thinning along part line and crown
- Brittle and weak hair
- Itchy or sensitive scalp
Evinature’s Approach to Managing Stress and Hair Loss
Our Exhale supplements are Evinature’s holistic approach to managing stress and anxiety. Featuring a blend of Ashwagandha, Chamomile, and Mimosa Bark, the Exhale formulation helps to alleviate stress, lower cortisol levels, and enhance restorative sleep, promoting overall well-being and balance.
Lifestyle Changes
Alongside Evinature’s Exhale, adopting a holistic approach to overall wellness may also improve hair loss. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, prioritizing quality sleep, practicing mindfulness, staying hydrated, and managing stress effectively. Integrating these wellness practices can help mitigate hair loss and promote healthier, stronger hair.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience hair loss, consider seeking professional medical evaluation if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Rapid or Severe Hair Loss
- Patchy Bald Spots
- Hair Loss Accompanied by Scalp Symptoms
- Hair Loss Following a Recent Illness or Surgery
- Unexplained Weight Loss or Nutritional Deficiencies
- Family History of Genetic Hair Loss
- Persistent Symptoms Despite Treatment
- Systemic Symptoms Accompanying Hair Loss
- Recent Changes in Medication
- Emotional or Psychological Stress
If you experience any of these symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider or dermatologist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Alegria Elbazis
