Stress is a common cause for hair loss in women. Scientifically called Telogen Effluvium, it gives a general thinning of the hair over the entire scalp and can in itself be quite stressful when it happens which can lead more greater hair loss. The problem fortunately is temporary and mends itself given enough time. However, occasionally problem can continue and develop into something more serious.
Telogen effluvium relates to the natural growth cycle of hair. Hair follicles have two phases within this cycle. The one phase involves growth and the other resting. The growth phase lasts around 3 to 5 years at which point the hair follicle will enter it’s resting and shedding phase which generally lasts around three months. Each hair follicle follows its own phase and at any one time around 15% of you follicles are in a resting phase. Sudden stress can increase this proportion of resting follicles dramatically which results noticeable hair loss. Then after the 3 months the resting hair will start to grow again.
There are a number of stress triggers, some of the most common are: severe emotional stress, fever, major surgery, childbirth, illness, anemia, crash diets, and drugs. It is usually a combination of the conditions which causes the hair loss. The best remedy is to identify the conditions that are producing the stress and put a stop to them.