Stress is blamed for causing all types of problems, some times this is true, sometimes it is not. We all suffer from “highs and lows,” in our lives. It is important that body stress levels are kept as low as possible. It may not be possible to remove the cause of our stress but there are ways that we can learn to cope with it successfully. Hair loss and stress are inexorably linked.
There is reasonable scientific evidence to show that stress can alter the uptake of certain trace elements and amino acids essential for hair growth. This accounts for about 30% of hair loss in women but it can re-grow if the nutritional imbalance is corrected.
There is experimental data to show that high stress levels can increase levels of the hormone prolactin in women and this appears to influence the uptake of testosterone and its metabolism. This can lead to thinning of the hair by varying degrees.
Stress can also cause narrowing of the arteries, restricting blood flow to the scalp. This can induce a temporary shedding of hair in the short term or a permanent loss if the condition continues.
Stress can show itself in different ways in different people but the most common symptom is excess hair loss. There are ways to stop this type of hair loss. The first rule is “don’t panic if you experience a heavy hair fall” This in itself will create more stress which in turn will cause more hair fall.