Stress and hair loss: Are they related?

Yes, extreme emotional or physical stress can trigger two types of hair loss.

The most common type of stress-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium. In this condition, severe stress — such as due to illness, injury or surgery — causes large numbers of hairs to stop their growing phase and shift into a resting phase. Two to three months later, the resting hairs suddenly start falling out. In such cases, your hair eventually grows back within six to nine months.

Intense stress can also trigger a type of hair loss called alopecia areata. In this condition, white blood cells attack the hair follicle, which stops hair growth. Within weeks, the affected hair falls out. With alopecia areata, hair loss usually starts as a small round patch but may eventually spread to the whole scalp — and sometimes to body hair as well. Your hair may grow back. But treatment may be necessary.

If you have questions or concerns about hair loss, consult a dermatologist.

Source:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).

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