Hair Loss In Women, Could Stress Be The Cuplrit?

Have you ever noticed that when a person feelspathogens. This produces a hazardous environment
stressed-out, their hair often looks frazzled and fried?within the body. Under these conditions the hair often
Or that a depressed persons' hair often looks dull andresponds by falling out.
lifeless, as if to match the way they feel. This is noStress can also cause the immune system to lose its
coincidence. Our hair reflects our emotional state.ability to turn off when it is no longer needed to fight
There is no denying that stress affects the conditionoff invasions. An over-activated immune system can
of our hair and can ultimately lead to hair loss.trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions and
Stress causes actual physiological changes in ourinflammatory conditions. Hair loss is a symptom of
body. These changes throw off our entire equilibrium,many of these types of conditions.
and affect every system of our body. Hair is veryStress is known to decrease the release of acid in
sensitive to any disturbances or changes within ourthe stomach and to impair digestion. Hair loss is a
body. If the disturbance is severe or prolonged thesymptom of gastrointestinal disorders such as Chrons
hair growth cycle becomes disrupted, causingand Celiac. When the digestive system is not
excessive hair loss and delaying new growth.functioning properly we may not absorb the nutrients
Healthy hair growth is dependent on an intricatelyneeded to support hair growth. Large amounts of
balanced hormonal system. An over or undervitamins, minerals and proteins are secreted in the
production of certain hormones is a common causeurine before they have a chance to reach our scalp.
of hair loss. When our body perceives stress, ourExtreme stress depletes important nutrients such as
glandular system responds by producing additionalselenium and zinc. A deficiency of these nutrients can
stress hormones.lead to hair loss.
Our body is well equipped to handle stress as long asStress hinders proper circulation. Muscles become
there is plenty of time to recover between incidents.tense and stiff, restricting blood from flowing to the
Unfortunately our busy hectic lifestyles provide little,scalp. The scalp depends on blood flow to bring
if any recovery time between stressful events. Thisoxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, and to
type of chronic, cumulative stress causes harmfulremove toxins and environmental pollutants from the
effects to the body. Hair loss is often the firstscalp.
symptom.Cumulative stress can cause cells to age faster and
Cortisol is one of the main hormones involved into eventually stop dividing. Hair is formed from cells
combating stress. Too much or too little cortisol canat the base of each follicle. These cells multiply and
cause hair loss. Cortisol is produced from the adrenaldifferentiate to form each individual strand of hair.
glands. The adrenal glands can become dysfunctionalCellular regeneration must occur in order for new hair
trying to keep up with the demands of stress. Anyto form.
adrenal gland disorder can lead to hair loss.Stress is a major factor in many of the medical
Another stress hormone involved in hair loss isconditions in which hair loss is a symptom.
corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). When stressAcute stress, when dealt with effectively has no
is perceived, CRH signals the sebaceous glands tonegative effects on hair growth. It is the chronic,
produce excessive oil. This oil called sebum creates acumulative, prolonged stress that is so destructive to
waxy substance on the scalp, making it difficult forour system. This type of stress causes hopelessness,
new growing hairs to permeate. Excess sebum cananxiety, depression, insomnia and bad habits. Often
create weak, thin, slow growing hair and hair loss.the first place this harmful stress shows up is in our
Long-term, chronic stress weakens the entirehair. Significant changes in hair can be a warning sign
immune system. When the immune system isof stress that has gone out of control. Hair loss
suppressed the body is less able to fight off bacteria,caused by stress responds well to natural therapies
yeasts, parasites, viruses, and other invadingsuch as massage, aromatherapy or reflexology.