Hair loss can affect anyone. Although we lose an average of 50 to 100 hairs per day, or 10% of our hair daily, we speak of alopecia when the percentage exceeds 20%. Hair loss is generally caused by a hormonal imbalance. However, stress results in the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone that plays a key role in regulating several vital functions of our body. A hormonal imbalance due to a period of stress can therefore affect hair health, as well as the rest of the body. It is easier to understand what stress is to understand the impact it can have on hair loss.
What is stress?
Stress is a primitive reaction of the body to a situation where its survival seems threatened. Biologically speaking, this reaction is characterized by a surge of adrenaline, followed by an overproduction of cortisol. Adrenaline allows us to better cope with the threatening situation; dilation of the pupils to see better, accelerated breathing to bring more air into the lungs, heightened senses, heart beating rapidly to oxygenate the brain as much as possible, etc. Cortisol, on the other hand, allows us to put the digestive system and the immune system on standby to gather as many resources as possible towards the muscles and the nervous system, thus countering the imminent threat as quickly and effectively as possible.
Our historical baggage has therefore left us with an extraordinary reaction: stress, very relevant for mobilizing our bodies against the mammoths and cougars that stood in our way thousands of years ago. However, this reaction continues to manifest itself in certain everyday situations, where we do not necessarily need to mobilize as many resources to ensure our survival. Indeed, stress generally manifests itself when we are faced with the unknown or the new, when we lack control over a situation or when our ego seems threatened. Whether during a fight or during a final university exam, the body will feel in danger in the same way; it will produce adrenaline and cortisol wrongly, which, repeated and long-term, can lead to harmful effects on the body: intense fatigue, headaches, muscle or inflammatory pain, nausea, sleep or eating disorders, weight gain, eczema, hair loss, etc.
Stress, a factor closely linked to hair loss
Hair loss is therefore only one of the consequences linked to stress and anxiety. This is why it is important to take care of your body in a balanced way to improve the health of your hair: changes in lifestyle habits to avoid stressful situations, meditation, breathing exercises, good diet, physical exercise, etc. Naturopathic medicine can be useful in remedying hormonal imbalances, in addition to offering long-term solutions to regain good general health, going hand in hand with healthy hair.
At Norgil, our team of naturopaths specializing in hormonal imbalances and dietary management aims to improve your hair health. We believe that a balanced body can reduce the risk of hair loss. During our initial meetings, a comprehensive health assessment allows us to offer you a treatment program specifically tailored to your condition, as well as cosmeceutical hair treatment products specific to your needs. Whether by videoconference or in person, we're here to help. Contact us!