Whether or not stress can cause hair loss has been a hot debate between veteran hair transplant patients and hair restoration physicians alike for years. The reality is, every day, daily stress will not cause or even expedite hereditary baldness however, more serious or traumatic stress certainly can. There are the numbers of reasons that might add to hair fall. These include age, genetic factors, poor diet or stress. However, stress-related hair loss is a significant cause of hair shedding that can affect anyone. Chronic stress may significantly slow or even disrupt the hair growth cycle adversely. Stress-related hair loss:Though stress does not directly affect hair health, there is a range of stress-related hair loss that leads to hair shedding, including: Alopecia Areata: Alopecia Areata is a type of hair fall when the weak immune system attacks the hair follicles severely, resulting in extreme hair loss. In this condition, hair falls in patches and sometimes effects body hairs as well. Trichotillomania: Also known as a hair pulling disorder. This is basically a medical disorder that forces individual with an irresistible urge of pulling hairs from the head, eyebrows or other body parts. Telogen Effluvium: Telogen Effluvium is a temporary hair loss problem where hair falls out all over the scalp, typically do to some kind of stress. It’s the condition when the hair cycle gets disrupted due to emotional / physical stress or illness. Stress Related Hair Loss Treatment:Stress and hair loss go hand and hand. Once the stressor is reduced or eliminated, hair will likely grow back.
So if you have recently lost hair or hair clumps on your comb is freaking you out, there are numerous things you can try to minimize your stress level and prevent hair loss. Diet and Supplement: A well-formulated diet can boost your overall hair health with vitamins and minerals. So consider consuming a balanced diet and the necessary supplements if you have any deficiency to deal with the stress. Mediation: Mediation is a proven, method that deals with stress and promotes health. Regular meditation can keep your mind and body relaxed, lowering your stress level. Mindfulness: As wisely stated, prevention is better than a cure. A little mindfulness to things that bother us is an effective method to prevent stress-related hair fall. Stop Worrying: Worrying about an existing hair loss problem may seem obvious but it adversely adds more to your stress. So make sure to reduce stress rather raising it. Consult a Doctor: In some cases hair often grows back after stress is eliminated but in some cases, it persists. However, in order to determine whether simple medication or advanced hair transplantation is needed, it’s better to consult a skilled and experienced hair restoration doctor right from the start. A good dermatologist can easily diagnose the root cause of hair loss and suggest you the best treatment. Our doctors provide you with best solution including FUE/FUT hair transplant surgery to help treat hair loss.
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The most common cause of hair loss is genetics and affects both men and women. However, other non-hereditary factors can sometimes cause thinning hair in both genders and should be ruled out prior to starting treatment. Men and women with a thyroid condition can experience hair loss due to the hormonal changes it causes in the body. What is the connection between hair and thyroid hormone?The thyroid is a large, ductless gland that regulates many aspects of human health. Thyroid imbalance occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones (hypothyroidism) or produces too many hormones (hyperthyroidism). Some of the areas impacted by the thyroid gland include - weight, hair, metabolism etc. Telogen Effluvium or Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) is the common hair loss condition seen in people with a thyroid imbalance. It causes thinning hair due to hair loss all over the scalp. Over time, the condition may result in complete baldness if it goes untreated. Some of the ways in which thyroid hormone effects the hair include - • Decreased growth of hair at the root • Lost hair is not replaced by new hair • Thinning hair across the scalp • The supply of proteins get disturbed • The hair growth energy is taken away by the body Thyroid disease can even contribute to a change in hair quality, texture, and volume. Those with hypothyroidism often experience hair conditions like - coarsening, drying etc. On the contrary, those with hyperthyroidism experience hair conditions such as - hair loss, thinning of hair etc. The hair loss related to the thyroid disease is not exclusive to the scalp. Patients suffering from thyroid disease may experience hair loss in other areas like eyebrows, eyelashes, chest and public areas. Fortunately, thyroid-related hair loss can be reversed with proper treatment. Certain drugs used to treat thyroid imbalance may also cause hair loss. It can be hard to tell if it is the drug or thyroid that is causing hair loss. How to balance thyroid to bring back hairThe primary concern is to restore proper functioning of the thyroid. A mild form of thyroid imbalance doesn’t generally result in hair loss or thinning. Working with the doctors to keep the condition under control may regenerate hair growth. The process begins with a simple blood test that includes an evaluation of TSH, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies. When the production of T3 and T4 is disrupted, it affects several processes in the body. Once you know your thyroid levels, you can work with your doctor to make sure you are on the right dosage of medication. The possible medications for treating thyroid disease include - levothyroxine, beta blockers, and methimazole. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid levels for a few months while you are on medication. You may notice hair growth within several months. Bottom lineThyroid related hair loss can be treated with medication that helps to correct the condition. However, some men and women also use Rogaine (minoxidil) to help expedite hair regrowth.
Hair transplant surgery is not typically an option for men and women with thyroid related hair loss since hair all over the entire scalp is affected by thinning hair. Thus, there is no donor area safe zone to harvest hair from. Hair loss can be extremely stressful and requires timely diagnosis and treatment. It is estimated that genetic hair loss affects more than 50 million men in the US alone. Treatment of androgenetic alopecia is challenging with limited therapeutic options. In recent years, hair transplant surgery has exploded in popularity and is the best way to restore a full and natural looking head of hair. However, there are also nonsurgical options for hair loss that can help individuals maintain their existing hair and even potentially regrow a nominal amount of lost hair. Catching hair loss early is off and the key to success with nonsurgical treatments. Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of non-surgical treatments in pattern baldness in both men and women. Below, we explore the non-surgical treatments to treat hair loss. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)Platelets are the tiny cells that contain growth factors for healing and tissue regeneration. Growth factors include the Epidermal growth factor, Transforming Growth Factor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Platelet Derived Growth Factor. Studies suggest that growth factors associated with platelets play an important role in regulating hair follicle functioning by stimulating stem cells and other cells in the microenvironment of the hair follicle. This hair loss treatment can give effective results in men and women experiencing hair loss. PRP therapy for hair loss involves withdrawing a small amount of patients blood for processing through the Magellan TruPRP device that separates platelets and plasma from other blood components. In some cases, Aminon would be mixed with PRP prior to injecting the solution into the scalp through micro-needles. People with mild to medium hair loss are generally the best candidates for PRP hair loss treatment. Benefits of PRP TherapyIt is a simple non-surgical procedure • It can be combined with hair transplant surgery for a synergistic effect • Natural and stylish hair with increased volume • No recovery period • 100% safe and provides reliable results in terms of hair loss reduction Low-Level Laser Therapy LLLT, also referred to as red light therapy is a less invasive treatment for those suffering from the devastating effects of hair loss. Those with a nominal amount of hair loss may be able to achieve fuller, shinier, thicker and healthier hair with laser therapy. Low-level laser light is the compressed light of a wavelength from the red part spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The coherent and monochromatic properties of the laser light allow it to penetrate into the scalp tissue where it improves cellular metabolism with no damage, heat or side effects. Low level laser therapy has been used by leading hair restoration clinics for years. It is completely safe and there are no known side effects associated with it. When combined with any hair loss prevention program, it increases the likelihood of effective results. Benefits of low-level laser therapy Increases blood supply to the scalp and stimulates hair follicles • Stops the progression of hair loss • Laser therapy can help newly transplanted hair thrive • Promotes hair re-growth • Increases strength and elasticity of hair MedicationYou may be able to slow down hair loss using prescription medications and ointments. These include: Minoxidil, Dutasteride, Finasteride and Corticosteroids and are commonly used to treat hair loss in men and women experiencing genetic pattern baldness.
• Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine was originally designed as a vasodilator. Unexpectedly, this drug helped patients grow more hair. Minoxidil should be applied to the scalp twice daily to treat hair loss. • Dutasteride was originally designed to treat an enlarged prostate. But because it blocks both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha reductase enzymes, it was found to be effective in treating pattern hair loss in men. • Corticosteroids are prescribed for a specific type of hair loss that occurs when the body attacks its own hair follicles due to inflammation. Men and women experiencing hair loss must use these medicines for several months for noticeable results. • Finasteride is a clinically proven treatment for male pattern baldness. Dihydrotesterone (DHT) is the primary cause of hair loss in men and women. This drug works by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT in the body and helps prevent hair loss. At the Hair Transplant Network, we provide information on surgical and non-surgical alternatives for people suffering from hair loss. Our recommended hair transplant surgeons will work closely with you to find the best option - surgical or non-surgical. Click the link above for a FREE consultation with one of our prescreened hair doctors. A healthy, lustrous head of hair showcases a woman's beauty and is undoubtedly a sign of a woman’s self confidence. Hair loss is a living nightmare for every woman as is a thin ponytail or a visible scalp. There are many causes of hair loss in women. It may be temporary or permanent and irreversible damage can occur depending on the reason. Below, we have listed the most common causes of hair loss and how to take appropriate action. Hormonal imbalance Increase or decrease in certain hormones disturbs the normal cellular homeostasis leading to noticeable hair loss or baldness. For example, high or low thyroid level disrupts protein metabolism which negatively impacts the growth of hair follicles. After childbirth, the estrogen imbalances put the hair growth cycle in the resting phase, and the outcome is excess hair shedding. Genetic predisposition to conditions like Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS increases the androgen level that causes visible hair thinning in front of the scalp. Poor Diet And Female Hair LossPoor diet and other unhealthy eating habits can deplete iron levels and other necessary nutrients that promote healthy hair growth. Other examples include zinc, selenium, hair protein like keratin and other minerals. Zinc and iron deficiency promotes dandruff and fungal infections like psoriasis in scalp resulting in excessive hair fall. Such nutritional deficiency is one of the prime female hair loss causes. The new hair cells fail to grow and leave you with baldness. Stress Related Hair Loss in WomenWorking in a high demanding workplace and poor work-life balance is a major contributor to physical stress. Significant personal life changes due to prolonged illness like cancer or trauma due to past failures add to both physical and emotional stress. Stress due to medical conditions such as autoimmune disease or skin infections and treatments like chemotherapy were found to result in irreversible hair damage in women. Various internal and external stress elevate the level of cortisol (a stress hormone) and decrease the level of hair growth factors. So, stress induces follicular sensitivity and is one possible cause of hair thinning in women. Hairstyling and Thinning HairHair straightening on a regular basis dramatically damages the hair follicles and denatures the cysteine protein due to excessive heat. Chemical treatment for permanent hair straightening may lead to irreparable hair and is one of the popular causes of hair loss in women. Use of dye, bleaching and heat treatment are too dangerous for dry hair as it permanently damages the cuticle, causes split ends and brittle hair. ConclusionIf you are suffering from severe hair loss or thinning, then it’s important to find out what’s causing it. Examples include medication, illness, genetics or hormonal imbalances.
Thankfully, hair loss or scalp related infections can be treated by eliminating the cause of the problem. Genetic hair loss is progressive and may require medication such as Rogaine (minoxidil). A proper diet, exercise or even practicing yoga or meditation may naturally treat stress related hair loss. However, it is always wise to consult with a qualified hair restoration physician to find a suitable treatment and prevent permanent female hair loss. |
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