Hair Loss From Stress & Alopecia

Alopecia is a disease that affects men and women. There are many kinds of alopecia that can cause hair loss and many different treatments. There is androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, traction alopecia and alopecia universalis. These forms of alopecia can and will contribute to hair loss.

For men, androgenetic alopecia is also known as male pattern baldness. The hair loss is mostly frontal and on the top of the head. Hair retained on the head is mostly on the sides and the back. Women who have androgenetic alopecia tend to have thinning hair and the frontal part of the head is not affected. Researchers have determined that a gene from both parents may be responsible for the alopecia.

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss, which causes spot balding, and also causes total baldness. One spot baldness is also called alopecia areata monolpcularis, and can affect any area of the scalp. What is Alopecia areata multilocularis? It is a when hair loss is visible in several areas of the scalp. This form of alopecia may be caused when the body rejects the hair, thinking it is a foreign body and ceases hair growth.

About 2% of the population is affected with alopecia areata. The onset of alopecia normally begins at an early age. There is currently a foundation called National Alopecia Areata Foundation supporting research to find a cure for alopecia areata and to determine the causes and possible treatments.

Alopecia universalis is seen when the entire body is affected. The body shreds all the areas of hair and causes all body hair to be loss. This type of alopecia can affect a person of any age. This is considered the worst type of alopecia and is treated as an autoimmune disorder.

Alopecia totalis is a complete loss of all the hair on the head. The first thoughts of this form of alopecia were considered to be caused by stress; however, this has never been proven true. Researchers do not feel that stress and alopecia totalis are not related at all. Researchers do agree that it is an autoimmune disorder.

Traction alopecia is caused by pulling tightly on the hair for long periods. Dreadlocks have been viewed as a major concern for loss of hair. Extreme tension on the hair and scalp contribute to hair loss. In some cases, hair loss can be permanent. If caught early enough, damaged hair can be helped and process can be reversed.

Stress has never been proven to be associated with hair loss, but doctors have diagnosed patients with hair loss as being from stress. More research is still need to prove or disprove this statement. If it can ever be proven that stress is a contributing to factor to hair loss, stress reduction can then be lowered in order to control hair loss.

People who have alopecia can become psychologically affected because they may feel unattractive and self-conscious about their appearance. This may cause depression and anxiety, resulting in a feeling of low self worth. People are often sent to a dermatologist for the problem with alopecia, but rarely are ever treated psychologically for this condition.

Androgenetic alopecia can be treated with drugs such as Rogaine and Propecia. These drugs are used to reduce the levels of DHT. Propecia contains finasteride, which can cause some side effects that need to be monitored by a doctor. Some side effects are skin rash, breast tenderness and enlargement, sexual abilities, and in men reduction in semen amounts.

Alopecia & Hair Loss Treatments

Rogaine contains minoxidil and has been used to promote hair growth. Some of the side effects of Rogaine that need immediate attention by a doctor are chest pains, breathing problems, dizziness, skin rash and swelling of the feet along with weakness. With Rogaine, hair growth on the back, face and arms has been noticed in some people who have taken Rogaine.

Both of these drugs are FDA approved and Rogaine can be purchased over the counter. Propecia needs to have a doctor prescription before you can obtain this drug. Before taking any drug, a doctor should be consulted to ensure you are in good health and a candidate for either drug.