Hair loss is a medical problem which usually affects the scalp. In medical terms, it is known as ‘Alopecia Areata’ and is characterized by swift hair loss typically from one side of the head more than the other. It is different from male pattern baldness which occurs due to heredity factors.

Causes of hair loss

Alopecia areata is mainly caused due to an attack of the immune system on the hair follicles. In biopsy reports of affected skin samples, immune cells have been found inside the hair follicles where normally they should not be present. The cause behind this is still not clear. However this hair loss problem is also connected with other auto immune conditions such as, allergic disorders, thyroid disease vitiligo lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis etc.

Although this hair loss problem occurs in both men and women, it is especially more prevalent among children, teens and young adults. The typical characteristic of alopecia areata is exclamation point hair. These unusual hairs can be found in areas of hair loss. They are visible with a hand lens as short, broken off hairs that are narrower closer to the scalp (appearing like an exclamation point). A biopsy of the scalp is sometimes necessary for a diagnosis.

Treatment for your hair loss

If your hair loss problem is of the type of alopecia areata, you need not worry much, for around 50% of people with this problem regain their hair on their own within one year or two. However you must be concerned if the time period of your hair loss extends and seems never ending. Longer the period of time of hair loss is, there is less likelihood of the hair regrowth.

Treatment options for hair loss problem range from creams and shampoos for the scalp to medications like minoxidil and anthralin, from topical immunotherapy to steroid injections. Each of these treatments can be used in different combinations.

Although there is no effective method of prevention, a good balanced diet along with proper stress management always proves helpful.

Thus, while hair loss problem is a medical condition, it is not a life threatening one. However it is nonetheless serious because of the psychologically and sociologically devastating effects the hair loss can have on the affected individual. Hence a proper diagnosis for the cause and prevention of the disease is necessary for the proper treatment of this malady.

Given the hectic work schedules and busy lifestyles, so many people suffer from stress today. In a situation where there never is enough time to complete life’s basic tasks, certain life events like getting a new job, moving to a new place, death of a loved one, divorce etc. can create very high levels of anxiety.

All this takes a toll on our crowning glory, not only making our hair dull and lifeless but also making them fall off at an alarming rate. This sudden and speedy hair loss due to stress is called ‘Telogen Effluvium’ in medical terms.

Among all the different hair loss reasons, stress occupies the top most place. Stress stops the hair follicles from producing new hair, thereby making them relapse into their resting phase. The hair follicles then tend to remain like this for months afterwards and also during this period.

The telogen phase can last 6 to 12 weeks (and much longer if left untreated) and affects women much more than men. Women may suffer from this type of hair loss after pregnancy or during menopause, due to change in their hormonal levels.

However, stress related hair loss can occur as late as three months after you have suffered a particular stressful period. Thus you may find it difficult to find a connection between a stressful period and the subsequent hair loss.

So if you are experiencing hair loss all of a sudden think back and consider what you have encountered that may have affected you enough to change your lifestyle and/or eating habits that may in turn have affected your hair. In this way you can give extra attention to your hair while you are going through some stressful phase to maintain the beauty of your mane.

The good news is that stress related hair loss (telogen effluvium) is temporary. In fact, due to the nature of the hair growth cycle, by the time you hair starts to shed heavily; your stress related problem may have already been resolved. And in the absence of stress causing hair loss you can take effective steps and treatment options to regain your hair.

Thus for men and women alike stress causing hair loss can mean even more stress in your life. But instead of feeling additional stress, one should take it in the positive light by looking at your hair loss as a sign that something is going wrong in physiology. Your hair is part of an early warning distress system that may be warning you the medication you are taking is not helpful or you need to take a vacation to avoid stress. Reducing stress can stop stress hair loss so consider trying relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation.