How to Stop Hair Loss Due to Stress
Physical and emotional stress can lead to hair loss. A condition known as telogen effluvim causes sudden and rapid hair loss in response to physical stress, such as childbirth, high fever, acute illness or surgery. Emotional or psychological stress, when chronic or severe, also can interfere with the normal growth cycle of the hair and trigger balding. Fortunately, for those suffering from hair loss due to stress, there are things you can do to help speed recovery and restore hair growth.
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How to Stop Hair Loss Due to Stress
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet every day. In addition to B vitamins, which are the most beneficial to hair health and growth, a diet high in vitamins A, C and E and rich in zinc, magnesium and selenium helps stop hair loss due to stress. Omega-3 fatty acids also may improve scalp health. Supplements are recommended if dietary sources are insufficient.
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Make certain you are getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. Adequate sleep helps your body recover from all types of stress and is important for the health of your scalp and hair. Prolonged sleep deprivation can be extremely stressful on the body and this stress may manifest itself as hair loss.
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Give your body plenty of time to recover following a major physical stressor, such as surgery or childbirth. Pushing yourself too hard after a major illness or surgical procedure only increases the likelihood of hair loss. Acute physical stress interferes with the normal hair-growth cycle, resulting in less new growth and more shedding. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, hair loss typically begins three to four months after physical stress or illness.
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Attend counseling sessions if your hair loss is due to emotional stress. Working through your problems and finding healthier and more appropriate ways to deal with them can help stop hair loss and encourage new hair growth.
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Have your hormone levels checked. This is especially important if your hair loss began after childbirth, after weaning from breastfeeding or soon after beginning oral contraception. While most hair loss caused by childbirth appears to be related to the physical stress of labor and delivery, in some cases lingering hormonal problems may be to blame.
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Ask your doctor if you may be suffering from alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is believed to be an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the hair follicles and hair loss. It can be triggered by emotional stress and sometimes goes away on its own when the stress is relieved. In some cases, however, medical treatment may be required.
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