Stress Hair Loss

Is it possible to have hair loss from stress? Indeed there is such a thing as stress hair loss. In fact, stress and hair loss are often related. Both emotional and physical stress (such as from an illness or surgery) can cause hair loss.

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress hair loss can occur in a couple of ways.

First, there can be hormonal changes caused by emotional stress that may trigger hair loss. Hormonal changes are known to cause hair loss in other instances, such as following pregnancy, during menopauses, and sometimes when taking or discontinuing hormonal methods of contraceptives.

Stress hair loss from hormonal changes usually occurs about three months after the stressful event and usually disappears in anywhere from a few months to two years. The reason for the delay in appearance is that it doesn’t cause hair to fall out; it causes new hair not to grow. Therefore it takes some time before it is noticeable. It is a general thinning of hair all over the head; it doesn’t cause bald patches.

In addition, nervous habits that some people display during times of stress, such as scalp rubbing and hair twisting or pulling can contribute to stress hair loss. Since these habits cause hair to fall out, bald patches are noticeable right away.

The best way to deal with emotional stress and hair loss is to learn and practice stress management and relaxation techniques. Everyone faces stressful events sometimes, but if you’re under chronic stress that is severe enough to cause hair loss on an ongoing basis, professional help is in order. A hair loss treatment might be indicated, as well, in this instance.

Physical Stress

Physical stress and hair loss is a well-known occurrence. While people usually think of emotional stress when they think of hair loss from stress, it’s important to recognize physical stress as well. In fact, the two often go together.

There are a number of illnesses that can cause physical stress hair loss, including thyroid disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, Cushing’s disease, kidney or liver disease, lupus, and cancer. Treating the disease relieves the stress on the body and reverses the hair loss.

Surgery also places a great deal of stress on the body. A common reaction to anesthesia is hair loss. This is a thinning of hair all over the head, not a total hair loss or bald patches. It resolves itself within a few months without treatment.

Certain medications can also cause physical stress and hair loss, including chemotherapy drugs for cancer, heparin, beta-blockers, lithium, and many antidepressants. When these medications are stopped, hair loss clears up without the need for treatment. However, these medications are used to treat serious illnesses, and can’t always be discontinued due to side effects such as stress and hair loss, so a hair loss treatment can be beneficial. Please note that you should never stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor.

Remember, emotional stress often accompanies physical stress, so there are multiple factors involved in hair loss from stress. You may need to try a multi-pronged approach to solve the problem - addressing any physical problems with your doctor, practicing relaxation techniques to deal with emotional stress, and using a hair loss treatment to speed the regrowth process.

Recommended Hair Loss Treatment

Please feel free to write to use if you have any questions about hair loss from stress.

More than stress hair loss on our reasons for hair loss page

Hair loss treatment home page