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What is Up With The Connection Between Stress and Alopecia?
Alopecia, or hair loss, is a condition that can occur when your body experiences a high level of stress. Hair loss due to stress is known as stress-related alopecia. In the midst of a stressful situation, your body undergoes physical and psychological changes which can lead to an impact on health and accelerate your hair loss.
What Causes Stress-Related Alopecia?
Stress-related alopecia occurs as a result of the following physical changes:
- The release of hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline.
- The decrease in circulation of blood, nutrients and vitamins to the scalp and hair follicles.
- Changes in the way the body breaks down and utilizes proteins.
The psychological aspects of stress can also be a contributing factor to hair loss, as individuals in stressful situations may become more focused on their appearance, leading to an increase in anxiety and depression.
How Can Stress-Related Alopecia be Treated?
The first step in treating stress-related alopecia is to identify and address the source of the stress. Depending on the severity of the hair loss, it may take several months of treatment and therapy to regain a healthy head of hair.
For mild hair loss due to stress, lifestyle changes can effectively reverse the effects. This could be anything from daily exercise and relaxation techniques to changes in diet or going to counseling sessions.
In more extreme cases, surgery or medications may be an option, however, seeking medical help from a doctor is recommended to ensure an effective treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
The Takeaway
Stress can lead to hair loss, but with the right medical supervision, the effects of alopecia can be reversed. If you’re struggling with hair loss due to stress, it is important to seek help and to focus on reducing stress levels as soon as possible.
