Can Stress and Anxiety Cause Hair Thinning?
December 29, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, stress and anxiety can contribute to hair thinning or hair loss, a condition known as telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss occurs when stressors or significant psychological factors disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding or thinning of hair.
Here’s how stress and anxiety can impact hair health:
- Telogen phase disruption: Hair growth occurs in cycles, including a growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen) before shedding. Stress or anxiety can push a larger number of hair follicles into the telogen (resting) phase prematurely, leading to increased shedding and thinning of hair.
- Triggering hair loss conditions: Stress can exacerbate or trigger certain hair loss conditions, such as alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss in patches.
- Hormonal changes: Stress can influence hormone levels in the body, particularly cortisol (the stress hormone). Imbalances in hormones can affect the hair growth cycle and contribute to hair loss.
- Disrupted scalp health: Stress can also affect scalp health by increasing inflammation or altering the balance of scalp microbiota, potentially affecting hair follicles’ health and growth.
It’s important to note that while stress and anxiety can contribute to hair thinning or shedding, they are not the sole causes of hair loss. Other factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, and nutritional deficiencies, can also play roles in hair loss.
Managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques, stress-reduction strategies, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and seeking support from mental health professionals can help reduce the risk of stress-related hair loss. Additionally, consulting a healthcare provider or dermatologist can provide guidance on managing hair loss and determining if there are underlying conditions contributing to the problem.