In today’s modern world, men in different countries are experiencing stress like never before. Research has even found that levels of anxiety have gone through the roof in recent times, highlighting just how significant the problem is. In many instances, men aren’t particularly forthcoming when it comes to discussing their problems and worries, which can lead to the onset of anxiety and other mental health conditions. With that in mind, we explain the link between anxiety and hair loss in men and what you can do about it.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss is caused by a disruption to your hair’s growth cycle. You need to remember that the growth of your hair is a result of a controlled and delicate process, so if it’s affected by things like DHT, stress, or even illness, hair loss is often the result. The main cause of hair loss in men is sensitivity to DHT, a growth hormone that binds to the receptors on your hair follicles. When left untreated, DHT can cause your hair follicles to shrivel and die, so it’s important to start some form of treatment.
What about anxiety?
While we don’t have all the answers as far as anxiety and hair loss are concerned, the relationship between the two is complex. Also, the more anxious and stressed you are, the more susceptible you are to certain types of hair loss. For instance, there are three main types of hair loss that are primarily caused by anxiety:
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium occurs when physiologic stressors force your hair follicles into the resting phase of the natural growth cycle. Therefore, your hair stops growing for up to three months and then during the next growing phase, your follicles are much more likely to shed. This is perhaps the most common anxiety-related hair loss condition.
Alopecia areata
Although it can cause hair loss, alopecia areata is actually classified as an autoimmune disease. It is often made worse by high levels of stress and anxiety. When alopecia areata occurs, it attacks your hair follicles, causing them to shed excessively in a short space of time. Scientists have struggled to pinpoint the reasons why the condition occurs, but it is posited that both anxiety and stress are among the triggers.
Trichotillomania
Last but not least is trichotillomania, which is actually an obsessive-compulsive disorder. People who are anxious or stressed might be inclined to suddenly and seemingly inexplicably pull out their hair from their head or other areas of their body. For many people, the condition is a way of subconsciously dealing with stress, anxiety, and boredom in some cases.
How to treat anxiety-induced hair loss
Although it might seem difficult, your first port of call should be to talk to someone about the way that you’re feeling. You have to realise that you’re not alone and that other people can help you unpack your feelings of anxiety and stress. When you feel ready, you can then schedule an appointment with your doctor to diagnose your hair loss condition. This will set you on the right course of treatment, depending on your symptoms.
If you think that your hair loss is caused by stress, anxiety, or genetic factors, you can check out Sons’ clinically backed hair loss treatments – including Minoxidil and Finasteride – to take the first steps towards doing something about your condition.
