Understanding the Correlation Between Stress and Female Hair Loss
From everyday hurdles like economic downturns to personal challenges at work or in relationships, stress is as prevalent in our lives as the latest streaming binge-watch. However, as much as the impact of stress on our mental well-being is widely acknowledged, it also has a strong grip on our physical health. This includes not only the expected symptoms like insomnia, occupational burnout, migraines, fatigue and weakened immunity but also what many might find relatively unexpected, which is that it might also extend to hair health. This may have led to many women asking themselves, “Does stress cause hair loss?” and as surprising as it might be—or not—the answer is a resounding yes.
Stress-related hair loss in women is a huge concern to some, affecting not just their scalp but often their self-esteem. But what is the connection between stress and hair loss, and how do you know for a fact that the hair loss that you’re currently experiencing is indeed due to stress?
Gender Differences in Stress Response
But first, while we recognise the existence of both male and female pattern hair loss, is stress a more potent trigger for hair loss among women compared to men?
Suppose women are constantly finding themselves frequently pulling out hair by the fistful or waking up to a pillow covered in hair. In that case, it prompts the question: is the way women experience stress fundamentally different such that it leads to more extensive hair shedding or loss? Or could it simply be a matter of hair length, as women typically have longer hair than men?
Recent studies, such as the annual Cigna 360 Global Well-Being Survey released in November 2022, shed some light on this. The findings indicate that women reported lower overall well-being than men across various aspects such as family, finances, physical health, and social and work environments. Specifically, women in Singapore are shown to be 10 percent more susceptible to stress and burnout than men, feeling perpetually tired, drained, and overwhelmed. This heightened susceptibility is evident as nine out of ten women reported experiencing symptoms of burnout, and a significant 70 percent felt they were “always on.”
So, when we ask if stress is higher in women than men, the answer could very well be a clear yes. This reality brings us to consider what this means for women dealing with stress-related hair loss.
Understanding Stress-Related Hair Loss
Did you know that chronic stress doesn’t just wear down your mental resilience; it can also wreak havoc on your hair follicles?
Sustained stress leads to elevated levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol and corticotropin-releasing hormones, which can inflame and disrupt the natural growth processes of hair follicles. This hormonal upheaval interferes with the hair’s ability to enter and sustain its growth phase, leading to shedding or slowed growth.
Types of Stress-Related Hair Loss
Stress can manifest in various forms of hair loss, each with unique characteristics:
- Telogen Effluvium: Often triggered by significant stress, this condition forces a large number of hair follicles into a resting phase. After a few months, these hairs may begin to fall out suddenly during routine activities like combing or washing.
- Trichotillomania: This compulsive behaviour involves pulling out hair from the scalp or other areas of the body, often as a coping mechanism for negative feelings such as stress, anxiety, boredom, or frustration. While the precise causes of trichotillomania are not fully understood, it is considered a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder and is frequently triggered by stressful events.
- Alopecia Areata: In this condition, severe stress is thought to trigger the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles, disrupting normal hair growth and causing hair loss. Although the follicles remain alive and hair can regrow, the cycle of inflammation and loss can be unpredictable and exacerbated by stress.
Recognising Signs of Stress-Related Hair Loss in Women
So, how do you know if your hair is most likely falling out due to stress? Some of the signs of stress-related hair loss may include:
1. Sudden Increased Daily Hair Fall
While it’s normal to shed between 50 to 100 strands of hair per day for both females and males, noticing an uptick beyond this range could be a sign of stress-related hair loss.
2. Appearance of Bald Patches
Another visible sign of stress-induced hair issues in females is the sudden appearance of bald patches due to extensive hair loss on various areas of the scalp, like the crown or the back of the head. These areas where hair has abruptly stopped growing can be alarming and are often due to acute stressors.
3. Hair-Pulling Behaviour
Engaging in hair-pulling, a behaviour known as the aforementioned trichotillomania, could be a direct response to stress and anxiety. This compulsive action not only indicates high-stress levels but also contributes further to hair loss.
Differentiating Stress-Related Hair Loss from Other Types
However, it is important to note that every instance of hair loss is not caused by stress. In fact, there are many other factors that could contribute to hair loss, including genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, medical treatments and even tight hairstyles that tug at the scalp. Conditions like scalp psoriasis, infections, and even nutrient deficiencies (like iron and vitamin D) could also play a role.
Given the possibility of various causes, to differentiate stress-related hair loss from these conditions, it’s crucial to evaluate all possible factors. If your hair loss pattern doesn’t fit typical genetic hair thinning (which often progresses gradually) or if it coincides with a stressful period, stress may be a contributing factor. However, always consult a healthcare professional to rule out other underlying health conditions and confirm the diagnosis. Only a professional can provide a comprehensive assessment, ensuring that any treatment plan addresses the correct cause of your hair loss.
Coping Strategies for Stress-Related Hair Loss in Women
So, how do you go about managing all of these?
Before you rush into panic mode and head straight to a hair transplant clinic in Singapore to get a procedure done, it’s crucial to address and manage the underlying stress contributing to your hair loss.
Here are a few practical tips to consider to help manage stress and potentially reduce hair loss:
- Nourish with essential nutrients: Prioritise foods rich in iron, vitamin D, and protein for optimal hair health.
- Stay active daily: Engage in activities like yoga or swimming to manage stress and support overall well-being.
- Practice relaxation methods: Incorporate mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to promote mental calmness.
- Prioritise quality sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours nightly to facilitate physical recovery and hormone balance.
- Hydrate effectively: Maintain adequate water intake to support overall health and enhance hair hydration.
- Reduce stimulants: Minimise caffeine and sugar consumption to manage stress levels effectively.
If these strategies don’t address your concerns, or if you notice your hair loss continues to worsen, you could always consider seeking professional advice. Visiting a hair specialist clinic can provide you with a second opinion and tailored advice, ensuring that any treatments or interventions are appropriately targeted to your specific needs.