Hair Loss
Question:
Stress can definitely cause hair loss, and is common. Tim;) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Kate, At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety? I lost quite a bit after my last baby, which is normal, and then it subsided. Never be afraid to ask questions, your not a pest, this is how we all learn. Your are correct in saying hair loss after a baby is normal. I know stress can do that also. There are however, physical ailments that can cause hairloss. Like you said yourself anemia. Two years ago, I started losing alot of hair, I went to the doctor, and he did bloodwork, and it was my thyroid. You really have to go to your doctor and tell him, I wouldn`t feel comfortable saying "yes its sounds like anxiety, when it could be physical". How long ago did you have your baby? Its not uncommon for your thyroid to become hypo after having a baby, happened to me and my sister. Many women then are diagnosed with postpartum depression when it really is hypothyroidism.One of the more common signs of hypothyroidism is hair loss. Its a very treatable disorder. Take care and go to the doctor please<G. Jackie Thanks, Jackie. It’s been 4 years since my "baby" <g so I’m sure I can rule out the hormone changes. Since then I’ve had two separate blood work ups and one specifically searched for thyroid problems at the request of the psychiatrist I was seeing at the time. Nothing turned up, except for the anemia (and this did not seem to particularly alarm my doctor). Besides the anemia, the only other thing I can think of is that my diet is lacking in some food/nutrient. I have a book on nutrition that I am looking through now. I plan to make sure to take a regular multi-vitamin and try to eat more of a variety of foods (have a tendency to stick to the same kinds). And I will be sure to mention it to my doctor next time I visit. I also forgot to mention that I have not been on any other meds besides low dose Xanax during this past year (except for 5 days of Buspar this past week) in case anyone may have been wondering about that. Thanks much for responding. I appreciate it. Have a great day! Kate
– When you hear hoof beats, think of horse’s, not zebra’s.
Response:
Thanks, I did used to subscribe to that thyroid group, I’ll have to look into it again. When I went off synthroid for 4 months I poofed up (especially my face) and started falling asleep at 10pm, went to the smokies highest point went to take a picture and the forearm I had held the camera up in had turned blue!! That’s when I thought I’d better go back on it. my doc said by my levels I should have been comatose. I chimed in "What a testament to my anxiety disorder!" That’s when she finally decided to prescribe my pa/anx meds, prior she’d tell me to go to a psychiatrist but I couldn’t afford it. Peace and More Peace, NeuRose – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Neurose, Hey do you ever fear taking synthroid will make you have PAs if your heart gets going a little fast? That’s been problem for me in the past, so I’d go of the synthroid and ended up feeling 10xs worse! Never stop taking your synthroid<G. I hear what your saying though. My symptoms of hypothyroidism were all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It was one of the worst feelings I had ever had. My thyroid tests came back so bad the receptionist called me and said I had to get down to the doctors office immediately. When he told me I had to go on synthroid, I almost died. My anxiety/panic were so severe, and I really thought it would make it worse, he assured me it wouldn`t. I remember debating about ditching those pills, but I wanted to feel better, and they did help. Hair falling out is a side effect of synthroid therapy also. The doctors and pharmacists don`t tell you that. I find the doctors and pharmacist are remiss in telling you everything about your disorder and your meds. Paxil was just given to me, you might be a little tired was all they told me. I research everything on my own. I feel doctors should educate us better about our disorders and meds. Alt.support. thyroid is a good place to learn about hypothyroidism and synthroid, and alot of people over there suffer from anxiety and depression also. Jackie Jackie
Response:
Thanks! It’s nice to know there’ s someone out there with both. My Graves disease hit right in the middle of my divorce. But the PAs didn’t really kick in till after (in therapy) so I always related it to physical abuse in the past or something brought out by talk therapy…curious. My brother is diagnosed schizophrenic and is hypothyroid and has had a PD for years….interesting.. God Bless, and thanks for your post! NeuRose – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi NeuRose, YES, I have had trouble with anxiety (heart palps) due to too much Synthroid, in fact my first PA occurred in the fall 97 and sure enough, my dose was a bit too high. It is VERY difficult to regulate in my case anyway. But, if the dose gets too low, the depression sets in - so it is a vicious cycle. As for the hair loss – I was not aware that the drug itself could cause hairloss, but rather the hypothyroid condition. Once my hypothyroidism was corrected, my hair grew back quite well and it is only when I notice more handfuls than usual coming out when I shower, that my dose usually needs to be bumped up. For me, it is the first sign except for maybe a bit of tiredness. The mineral (or is it a vitamin?) Selenium is supposed to be very good for thinning hair and so I supplement with that as well. So you have both PA AND thyroid trouble?? Curious! I have kept track of several others with these two disorders because I know that my emotional stuff (depression and anxiety) did not occur until shortly after my thyroid disease back 1992. Sometimes I think it may be the Synthroid causing my anxiety physical symptoms, but sure can’t do without it either! I have asked several doctors to experiment with either Cytomel or Armour (different forms of thyroid replacement) but they are not willing to do so. You might also be interested in in alt.support.thyroid. Take care and God bless! Debbie Wow, really?! I always thought the hair falling out was a side effect (PDR states it does it to children, not mentioning adults) of the synthroid itself. Hmmmm, something to think about..Hey do you ever fear taking synthroid will make you have PAs if your heart gets going a little fast? That’s been problem for me in the past, so I’d go of the synthroid and ended up feeling 10xs worse! Hope this finds you well(Peace), NeuRose
Response:
Dear Neurose, Hey do you ever fear taking
synthroid will make you have PAs if your heart gets going a little fast? That’s been problem for me in the past, so I’d go of the synthroid and ended up feeling 10xs worse! Never stop taking your synthroid<G. I hear what your saying though. My symptoms of hypothyroidism were all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It was one of the worst feelings I had ever had. My thyroid tests came back so bad the receptionist called me and said I had to get down to the doctors office immediately. When he told me I had to go on synthroid, I almost died. My anxiety/panic were so severe, and I really thought it would make it worse, he assured me it wouldn`t. I remember debating about ditching those pills, but I wanted to feel better, and they did help. Hair falling out is a side effect of synthroid therapy also. The doctors and pharmacists don`t tell you that. I find the doctors and pharmacist are remiss in telling you everything about your disorder and your meds. Paxil was just given to me, you might be a little tired was all they told me. I research everything on my own. I feel doctors should educate us better about our disorders and meds. Alt.support. thyroid is a good place to learn about hypothyroidism and synthroid, and alot of people over there suffer from anxiety and depression also. Jackie Jackie
Response:
Hi NeuRose, YES, I have had trouble with anxiety (heart palps) due to too much Synthroid, in fact my first PA occurred in the fall 97 and sure enough, my dose was a bit too high. It is VERY difficult to regulate in my case anyway. But, if the dose gets too low, the depression sets in - so it is a vicious cycle. As for the hair loss – I was not aware that the drug itself could cause hairloss, but rather the hypothyroid condition. Once my hypothyroidism was corrected, my hair grew back quite well and it is only when I notice more handfuls than usual coming out when I shower, that my dose usually needs to be bumped up. For me, it is the first sign except for maybe a bit of tiredness. The mineral (or is it a vitamin?) Selenium is supposed to be very good for thinning hair and so I supplement with that as well. So you have both PA AND thyroid trouble?? Curious! I have kept track of several others with these two disorders because I know that my emotional stuff (depression and anxiety) did not occur until shortly after my thyroid disease back 1992. Sometimes I think it may be the Synthroid causing my anxiety physical symptoms, but sure can’t do without it either! I have asked several doctors to experiment with either Cytomel or Armour (different forms of thyroid replacement) but they are not willing to do so. You might also be interested in in alt.support.thyroid. Take care and God bless! Debbie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow, really?! I always thought the hair falling out was a side effect (PDR states it does it to children, not mentioning adults) of the synthroid itself. Hmmmm, something to think about..Hey do you ever fear taking synthroid will make you have PAs if your heart gets going a little fast? That’s been problem for me in the past, so I’d go of the synthroid and ended up feeling 10xs worse! Hope this finds you well(Peace), NeuRose
Response:
Wow, really?! I always thought the hair falling out was a side effect (PDR states it does it to children, not mentioning adults) of the synthroid itself. Hmmmm, something to think about..Hey do you ever fear taking synthroid will make you have PAs if your heart gets going a little fast? That’s been problem for me in the past, so I’d go of the synthroid and ended up feeling 10xs worse! Hope this finds you well(Peace), NeuRose – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Kate, I have Graves disease which was treated by RAI, thus I now have no thyroid hormone of my own and must rely on synthroid. The blood levels vary from time to time, and my first indication that I am once again becoming hypothyroid is when my hair starts falling out. I would definitely request that they check your thyroid 
It is a very common condition and also causes tiredness, coldness and depression. Blessings, Debbie
Response:
Hi Kate, I have Graves disease which was treated by RAI, thus I now have no thyroid hormone of my own and must rely on synthroid. The blood levels vary from time to time, and my first indication that I am once again becoming hypothyroid is when my hair starts falling out. I would definitely request that they check your thyroid It is a very common condition and also causes tiredness, coldness and depression. Blessings, Debbie
Response:
If you read my message earlier I mentioned some differences in my skin. That was a biggie. I have had more pimples the last four months than I did when I was a teen. What helped me here was washing my face an extra time or two throughout the day, and using a light moisturizer. This is actually one thing my doctor was extremely helpful in suggesting. Of course being male I do not have to worry about makeup, and this is a very easy thing for me to do. You ladies may not be able to do this. d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I also have noticed a bit of hair loss but what has bothered me more is that with stress comes pimples!!!
Response:
Yes, nutritional things are always a good to check also. I have found good nutrition has been very helpful in my recovery/coping with the GAD. Please let us know how it turns out. d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, another medical reason is not ruled out, however it is possible that increased stress can cause hair loss. When my GAD first began, and even to some extent now adays, my hair fell out a bit more than usual. During that time period I noticed a lot of changes in my hair texture as well as skin texture. With any chemical imbalance it is possible to see effects on you skin and hair. In my case I even noticed my eyes were dry and red. I had already undergone multiple blood test for other things, so any other medical condition was ruled out. I would suggest that you consult your doctor. Of course IMO, and YMMV. Good Luck! d At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety? I lost quite a bit after my last baby, which is normal, and then it subsided. But in the last year, the hair loss has come back with a vengence. Thanks, d. I will check with my doctor next visit. I hope to make some nutritional changes, also, to see if that doesn’t help a bit. In the meantime, I’m greatful to hear others’ thoughts and experiences. Take care! Kate Kate
Response:
I also have noticed a bit of hair loss but what has bothered me more is that with stress comes pimples!!!
Response:
Hi Di, Also, didn’t Princess Caroline
of Monaco lose all her hair a couple of years back? I thought I read that it was stress induced. Good luck with it……Di Yes, she was completely bald, and the claim it was all stress related. I had forgot about her. P.S.We lose the hair on our heads, but why not our legs, that would be so convienant<VBG. Jackie
Response:
I’ve lost hair from anxiety when I was younger, but it always came back in fairly quickly. I take synthroid for hypothyroidism and in the PDR it states it can cause hair loss in children, well, sure enuf when I have got off of the synthroid for a period of time (months) and go back on daily therapy I lose quite a bit of hair. Some of it comes back but a lot hasn’t yet. Luckily I had pretty overthick hair in the beginning so, now it’s actually more manageable. :) Peace and Love, NeuRose – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety? I lost quite a bit after my last baby, which is normal, and then it subsided. But in the last year, the hair loss has come back with a vengence. We have undergone some pretty big changes – a move to a new home and much to our shigrin (sp?) we also continue to own our previous townhome because sales are down (anyone want a really cute little townhouse with an easy commute to Wash DC? – how’s that for a plug!). Other somewhat stressful life adjustments accompanied all of this, of course. FYI, I was shown to be borderline anemic at last CBC (1 1/2 yrs ago), and I’ve read that anemia can cause hair loss. But I’m afraid to take iron supps because I’ve also read somewhere that iron can be damaging to the heart. Being very sensative to any heart-related news, I am afraid to supplement. Probably a question for the doc – but thought I would ask around a bit. Thanks much. Kate
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety?snip Hi Kate, My husband’s best friend lost much of his hair in patches, and after some tests his Dr. decided that it was from stress (which he had a lot of at the time . It all grew back after a few months. Also, didn’t Princess Caroline of Monaco lose all her hair a couple of years back? I thought I read that it was stress induced. Good luck with it……Di
Thanks, Di. I hope your husband’s friend is doing better now. I shouldn’t be surprised that stress might cause this physical change, since it manages to creep into just about every other part of the body (my body, I should say). It’s amazing how many ways it can manifest itself. Our bodies are truly awesome in that way. I will watch to see if this, too, passes, or comes and goes, as so many of the my other symptoms have done. Thanks for responding! Kate
Response:
Well, another medical reason is not ruled out, however it is possible that increased stress can cause hair loss. When my GAD first began, and even to some extent now adays, my hair fell out a bit more than usual. During that time period I noticed a lot of changes in my hair texture as well as skin texture. With any chemical imbalance it is possible to see effects on you skin and hair. In my case I even noticed my eyes were dry and red. I had already undergone multiple blood test for other things, so any other medical condition was ruled out. I would suggest that you consult your doctor. Of course IMO, and YMMV. Good Luck! d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety? I lost quite a bit after my last baby, which is normal, and then it subsided. But in the last year, the hair loss has come back with a vengence. We have undergone some pretty big changes – a move to a new home and much to our shigrin (sp?) we also continue to own our previous townhome because sales are down (anyone want a really cute little townhouse with an easy commute to Wash DC? – how’s that for a plug!). Other somewhat stressful life adjustments accompanied all of this, of course. FYI, I was shown to be borderline anemic at last CBC (1 1/2 yrs ago), and I’ve read that anemia can cause hair loss. But I’m afraid to take iron supps because I’ve also read somewhere that iron can be damaging to the heart. Being very sensative to any heart-related news, I am afraid to supplement. Probably a question for the doc – but thought I would ask around a bit. Thanks much. Kate
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, another medical reason is not ruled out, however it is possible that increased stress can cause hair loss. When my GAD first began, and even to some extent now adays, my hair fell out a bit more than usual. During that time period I noticed a lot of changes in my hair texture as well as skin texture. With any chemical imbalance it is possible to see effects on you skin and hair. In my case I even noticed my eyes were dry and red. I had already undergone multiple blood test for other things, so any other medical condition was ruled out. I would suggest that you consult your doctor. Of course IMO, and YMMV. Good Luck! d At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety? I lost quite a bit after my last baby, which is normal, and then it subsided. But in the last year, the hair loss has come back with a vengence.
Thanks, d. I will check with my doctor next visit. I hope to make some nutritional changes, also, to see if that doesn’t help a bit. In the meantime, I’m greatful to hear others’ thoughts and experiences. Take care! Kate – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kate
Response:
At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety?snip
Hi Kate, My husband’s best friend lost much of his hair in patches, and after some tests his Dr. decided that it was from stress (which he had a lot of at the time . It all grew back after a few months. Also, didn’t Princess Caroline of Monaco lose all her hair a couple of years back? I thought I read that it was stress induced. Good luck with it……Di
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Kate, At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety? I lost quite a bit after my last baby, which is normal, and then it subsided. Never be afraid to ask questions, your not a pest, this is how we all learn. Your are correct in saying hair loss after a baby is normal. I know stress can do that also. There are however, physical ailments that can cause hairloss. Like you said yourself anemia. Two years ago, I started losing alot of hair, I went to the doctor, and he did bloodwork, and it was my thyroid. You really have to go to your doctor and tell him, I wouldn`t feel comfortable saying "yes its sounds like anxiety, when it could be physical". How long ago did you have your baby? Its not uncommon for your thyroid to become hypo after having a baby, happened to me and my sister. Many women then are diagnosed with postpartum depression when it really is hypothyroidism.One of the more common signs of hypothyroidism is hair loss. Its a very treatable disorder. Take care and go to the doctor please<G. Jackie
Thanks, Jackie. It’s been 4 years since my "baby" <g so I’m sure I can rule out the hormone changes. Since then I’ve had two separate blood work ups and one specifically searched for thyroid problems at the request of the psychiatrist I was seeing at the time. Nothing turned up, except for the anemia (and this did not seem to particularly alarm my doctor). Besides the anemia, the only other thing I can think of is that my diet is lacking in some food/nutrient. I have a book on nutrition that I am looking through now. I plan to make sure to take a regular multi-vitamin and try to eat more of a variety of foods (have a tendency to stick to the same kinds). And I will be sure to mention it to my doctor next time I visit. I also forgot to mention that I have not been on any other meds besides low dose Xanax during this past year (except for 5 days of Buspar this past week) in case anyone may have been wondering about that. Thanks much for responding. I appreciate it. Have a great day! Kate
Response:
At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question….. Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety? I lost quite a bit after my last baby, which is normal, and then it subsided. But in the last year, the hair loss has come back with a vengence. We have undergone some pretty big changes – a move to a new home and much to our shigrin (sp?) we also continue to own our previous townhome because sales are down (anyone want a really cute little townhouse with an easy commute to Wash DC? – how’s that for a plug!). Other somewhat stressful life adjustments accompanied all of this, of course. FYI, I was shown to be borderline anemic at last CBC (1 1/2 yrs ago), and I’ve read that anemia can cause hair loss. But I’m afraid to take iron supps because I’ve also read somewhere that iron can be damaging to the heart. Being very sensative to any heart-related news, I am afraid to supplement. Probably a question for the doc – but thought I would ask around a bit. Thanks much. Kate
Response:
Dear Kate, At the risk of making a pest of myself , I have another question…..
Has anyone experienced significant hair loss during periods of high stress or anxiety? I lost quite a bit after my last baby, which is normal, and then it subsided. Never be afraid to ask questions, your not a pest, this is how we all learn. Your are correct in saying hair loss after a baby is normal. I know stress can do that also. There are however, physical ailments that can cause hairloss. Like you said yourself anemia. Two years ago, I started losing alot of hair, I went to the doctor, and he did bloodwork, and it was my thyroid. You really have to go to your doctor and tell him, I wouldn`t feel comfortable saying "yes its sounds like anxiety, when it could be physical". How long ago did you have your baby? Its not uncommon for your thyroid to become hypo after having a baby, happened to me and my sister. Many women then are diagnosed with postpartum depression when it really is hypothyroidism.One of the more common signs of hypothyroidism is hair loss. Its a very treatable disorder. Take care and go to the doctor please<G. Jackie
Response:
I am losing my hair and am in my 30’s, my doctor says this could be down to stress, has anyone else suffered this? I have a patch lost the size of a lime and r other smaller patches. I have been to the gp and have been given steroid lotion to massage in. Can anyone help. Jade
Response:
I am losing my hair and am in my 30’s, my doctor says this could be down to stress, has anyone else suffered this? I have a patch lost the size of a lime and r other smaller patches. I have been to the gp and have been given steroid lotion to massage in. Can anyone help. Jade
i had this problem last year in italian is called alopecia areata, i lost my hairs in different points of my head, i was looking as my barber did a really hugly job my sister has it too dont be too afraid they will grow up again, i had to wait more than a year, i used lotions and shampoo fo it ask to your doctor which kind of alopecia is i had it for the same reason stress. tame care ciao
Response:
Hi Jade, I started losing my hair in my late 20’s. I had been stressed for years, I don’t know if this was a factor. I am now 35 and continue to lose hair, receding hair line. I used to be concerned about how others would perceive me, but gradually accepted my hair loss, and have never sought treatment. I don’t know if you’re a man or woman, so obviously society has certain stigmas that apply more to the "fairer" sex on this matter. Stress is normal. Severe stress and anxiety is not normal, and can be treated successfully with medical therapy that can lead to change in behavior patterns that may be affecting your condition. I’d go see a psychiatrist to see if you need help. Good luck! Patrick
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am losing my hair and am in my 30’s, my doctor says this could be down to stress, has anyone else suffered this? I have a patch lost the size of a lime and r other smaller patches. I have been to the gp and have been given steroid lotion to massage in. Can anyone help. Jade
Response:
:I am losing my hair and am in my 30’s, my doctor says this could be down to :stress, has anyone else suffered this? I have a patch lost the size of a lime :and r other smaller patches. I have been to the gp and have been given steroid :lotion to massage in. Can anyone help. Dear Jade, Please get yourself to a dermotologist for diagnosis and treatment, don`t let your GP treat something that only a speclialist should. Stress can do anything but you need to rule out physical disorders before assuming this hair loss is indeed stress induced. Take care! Jackie ~*~I have signed a pact with life: we will not get in each other’s way~*~
Response:
I am losing my hair and am in my 30’s, my doctor says this could be down to stress, has anyone else suffered this? I have a patch lost the size of a lime and r other smaller patches. I have been to the gp and have been given steroid lotion to massage in. Can anyone help. Jade
Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss characterized by sudden hair loss in circumscribed areas, usually in persons who have no obvious skin disorder or systemic disease. Any hairy area may be involved, the scalp and beard most frequently. Consult a dermatologist. He may try steroid injections of triamcinolone into the skin. Chip
