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Can Stress Cause Permanent Hair Loss?

Posted on Fri, 3 Jun 2016

Question: I noticed my hair is thinning, it started around forty. Can stress cause permanent hairloss? What test can I take to see if it is stress related or could be my thyroid?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Causes listed below, upload pictures of scalp

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
Their are many causes of hair loss and treatment depends on the cause.
The most common causes encountered by me are male pattern baldness, thyroid disorders, anemia, certain drugs, fevers like typhoid and malaria, surgery and chronic diseases.
Stress can also cause loss of hair.
I recommend you to undergo haemoglobin, serum ferritin levels and TSH test to rule out the anemia and thyroid disease.
There is no test available to confirm that it is stress related hair thinning.
I would also recommend you to upload the photographs of your scalp so that I can ascertain the pattern of your hair loss and can guide you accordingly.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (27 minutes later)

Arr you able to see them in my upload reports? Does anger and stress cause permanent hairloss?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Stress won't cause permanent hair loss

Detailed Answer:
Yes I have reviewed the attached photographs.
Your hair density seems to be normal and you don't have male pattern baldness.
Stress and anger won't cause permanent hair loss. Once stress will reduce hair growth will start improving.
I would recommend you to try to avoid stress and anger.
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to get your haemoglobin, serum ferritin levels and TSH levels checked.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad