If you look back on your life, I’m sure you can recall a mother, father, grandparent or even teacher jokingly (or seriously) insinuating that you are the reason for their gray hair or hair loss.
Now, although your cute innocent self may not have been the cause of it after all, they were definitely not wrong for implying that stress and hair loss are correlated!
What happens to your hairline when you stress?
When we stress, physically, mentally, and even subconsciously, our body produces a hormone known as Cortisol, to regulate our body’s response to that stressors.
What does this mean for your hair?
Medical dermatology studies have shown that:
- Many women and men that suffer from androgenetic alopecia, have heightened cortisol levels
- High levels of cortisol have been associated with the breakdown of structural skin components, which inhibits the normal function of the hair follicle
- Common hair loss conditions that stem from heightened cortisol levels are: androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium
Is stress the main reason for your hair loss?
When it comes to hair loss and the sophistication of the hair growth cycle, there can be various reasons that may lead to your hair loss, which is why consulting with a skin care physician is recommended.
During your consultation with a skin care physician, they will assess your hair loss pattern, and your past medical history, to determine which one of the following (or a combination of the following) may be leading to your hair loss: genetic susceptibility, hormonal changes, medication use, health conditions, and of course, stress-related hair loss.
How to diminish stress on a daily basis?
Whether your specific hair loss condition derives from genetic susceptibility, hormonal changes, medication or other health conditions you may be experiencing, stress can always add to that issue! Although eliminating stress can be challenging, here is a list of activities that can help lower cortisol levels, and help reduce stress-related hair loss:
1. Get more physical activity (whether that be a walk outside, joining the gym, or partaking in a yoga class in the park).
2. Practice self-care by doing something for yourself!
3. Practice mindfulness and/or meditation. Reflecting on your life and thoughts in a non-judgmental way can be extremely rewarding and relaxing.
4. Spend quality time with the ones you love (yes, pets count!)
5. Spend less time on your phone, and more time outdoors!
Medical dermatology treatment options for hair loss
The fact of the matter is, whether you suffer from stress-related hair loss or not, if you are finding your hair loss bothersome, you don’t need to suffer forever!
Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, who works in medical dermatology as a skin care physician in Vancouver, BC operates a virtual teledermatology platform for hair loss patients just like you. During your consultation, Dr. Shehla Ebrahim will assess your concerns, ask questions about you and your family’s medical history, and create a treatment plan unique to your needs.
Depending on your needs, you may be a suitable candidate for:
- Oral hair loss medication
- Topical hair loss medication
- PRP (To read more about PRP (platelet-rich plasma), CLICK HERE
If you are ready to reclaim your hairline, and your confidence, CLICK HERE to book a consultation with skin care physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim.