Stress-Related Hair Loss? We Can Help

Stress is a known risk factor for lots of health problems, including obesity, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and heart disease. But what a lot of people don’t know is that stress can cause hair loss, too. 

Fortunately, hair loss due to stress can typically be treated using innovative treatments that don’t require surgery or downtime. The key is working with a medical professional skilled in the most advanced techniques to support healthy hair growth and restore follicles damaged by stress.

1. Jacob Simhaee, MD, offers an array of customizable, state-of-the-art, minimally invasive hair loss treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, Alma TED™ therapy, and peptide injections, along with supportive complementary treatments. Here’s how Dr. Simhaee can tailor a hair loss therapy just for you.

The link between stress and hair loss

Stress-related hair loss often involves a key change in the hair growth cycle. This cycle has three stages:

• The active anagen phase when growth occurs
• The catagen stage when hair transitions from growth to rest
• The telogen (resting) stage when old hair is shed

Telogen effluvium is a type of stress-related hair loss that happens when chronic or acute stress rapidly and prematurely advances hair from the anagen phase to the telogen stage, resulting in excessive shedding and hair thinning.

Emerging research shows increased levels of cortisol (the so-called stress hormone) may affect hair regrowth by prolonging the resting phase and preventing new hair growth, as well. Many people with telogen effluvium notice excess hair loss when brushing or shampooing their hair.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a second type of hair loss that happens in response to stress. In this type of hair loss, extreme stress triggers an immune system response, causing immune responses that attack hair follicles, forcing them into the catagen and telogen stages.

Alopecia areata typically begins as small, circular patches of hair loss that can eventually spread to the rest of your scalp or other areas of your body. In addition to stress, researchers believe genetics may also play a role in developing the condition.

Restoring healthy hair growth

Today, there are several options for restoring a healthy head of hair without relying on surgery or damaging chemicals.

PRP therapy

PRP uses a sample of your own blood to stimulate natural hair growth. PRP contains special proteins called growth factors that promote cell healing and new cell growth. 

During treatment, we extract a small blood sample, then process it to separate the platelets and plasma from the rest of your blood. The resulting PRP is reinjected into your scalp. 

Dr. Simhaee follows PRP injections with a microneedling treatment. In this treatment, a microneedling device creates a series of tiny picture wounds that stimulate natural healing responses for optimal results.

Alma TED™

Alma TED (TransEpidermal Delivery) is an innovative hair-loss treatment that uses ultrasound technology and pressurized air to deliver a special hair growth formula deep into your skin. 

The combination of air and ultrasound promote enhanced blood flow to supply the follicles with oxygen and nutrients they need to be productive and healthy.

Each noninvasive, pain-free treatment takes about a half hour, and there’s no downtime afterward. Treatments can be repeated as needed to support stronger, healthier hair growth.

Peptide injections

Peptides are protein fragments that contain small chains of amino acids. In hair growth therapy, peptide injections stimulate blood flow to the follicles while delivering key nutrients and chemicals to optimize follicle health and function.

Peptides also possess anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation that inhibits follicle function and hair growth. Peptide formulations help reduce hormones that shrink hair follicles while protecting cells from free radical damage.

Complementary options

In addition to medical treatments, Dr. Simhaee offers a variety of supportive therapies to help maintain healthy hair and a healthy scalp, including: 

• Nutrafol® hair growth supplements
• Shampoo designed to support hair follicles
• Drops to promote hair growth

It’s also important to follow a healthy eating plan, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and practice stress management techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. Psychotherapy can also help by teaching coping skills and helping you manage stress and anxiety more effectively.

Hair loss can take a big toll on your self-confidence, but with prompt treatment, you can promote healthier hair and reduce stress-related hair loss. To learn how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Simhaee and his team in Manhasset and Forest Hills, New York, today.