Stress has been conclusively shown to a cause of hair loss in both those both with and without Androgenetic Alopecia. Accounting for the effects is a critical component in any treatment regime.
German Research Confirms Stress a Major Factor in MPB
This particular study identifies two specific mechanisms by which stress can exert its negative effects on hair follicle function: cortisol and Mast Cell release.
Ann Dermatol. 2016 Oct;28(5):600-606. Epub 2016 Sep 30.
Acute Stress-Induced Changes in Follicular Dermal Papilla Cells and Mobilization of Mast Cells: Implications for Hair Growth.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Stress is a known cause of hair loss in many species.
OBJECTIVE:
In this study, we investigated the role of acute stress on hair growth using a rat model.
METHODS:
Rats were immobilized for 24 hours and blood samples, and skin biopsies were taken. The effect of stress-serum on the in vitro proliferation of rat and human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs), as well as serum cortisol and corticotropin-releasing hormone levels, were measured. Mast cell staining was performed on the biopsied tissue. In addition, Western blot and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess mast cell tryptase and cytokine expression, respectively in rat skin biopsies.
RESULTS:
Stress-serum treatment reduced significantly the number of viable hDPCs and arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase, compared to serum from unrestrained rats (p<0.05>, respectively). Moreover, restrained rats had significantly higher levels of cortisol in serum than unrestrained rats (p<0.01>). Acute stress serum increased mast cell numbers and mast cell tryptase expression, as well as inducing interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β up-regulation.
CONCLUSION:
These results suggest that acute stress also has an inhibitory effect on hair growth via cortisol release in addition to substance P-mast cell pathway.
Comment: While you can not always remove the source of stress, ie economic, health, toxic relationships, etc., you can quite readily neutralize the effects of stress on both human health and hair loss. Our treatment recommendations incorporate several components that directly counter the effects of stress on hair growth. As you can see, there is ample crossover between treating both Androgenetic and Stress related hair loss.
Treatment Protocol for Stress Related Hair loss:
Optimized Resveratrol/Super BioCurcumin combination: 1 capsule of each – Quells neurogenic inflammation, a specific subtype of inflammation that is stress induced. It is anti-inflammation benefits have been shown to shown to stimulate hair growth in men with long standing MPB.
Italian Patent Details Hair Growth Effects of Resveratrol/Curcumin Combination
Patent: Pharmaceutical Composition Comprising Curcumin and Resveratrol for Hair Growth
Taurine: 1 capsule- Taurine has been known to exert protective effects against anxiety and depression. Its protective effects against the effects of stress on hair growth are on a par, even slightly better than finasteride, (Propecia).
Study: Taurine, Finasteride Effective Against Stress Hairloss
Anti-Aging Rejuvenating Scalp Serum: 3-5 drops a day In addition to increasing localized stem cell production at the site of the hair follicle (which is diminished in MPB), this topical serum contains a potent dose of ProAnthocyanidin from Apple Polyphenols, which inhibit Mast cell release, a known mechanism in the inflammatory response that triggers hair miniaturization.
Rhodiola Extract : 1 capsule- Cortisol is a stress hormone that is responsible for many of the long-term health consequences suffered by those who encounter frequent stressful situations, and has been shown to be elevated in those with MPB vs controls. Rhodiola is a known adaptogen, a plant-based compound used in traditional Tibetan, Chinese and Russian medicine that improves resistance to stress. Rhodiola has been shown in numerous studies to reduce cortisol levels, and moreover prevent the elevation of cortisol in subjects subjected to bth mental and physiological stressors.
Ashwagandha Extract: 1 capsule- Ashwagandha reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 26%. Subjects who took the standardized ashwagandha extractin several studies reported improvements in energy, sleep and well-being, as well as diminished fatigue. Additional research concluded that Ashwagandha confers neuroprotection by supporting the regeneration of axons and dendrites, nerve cell components that support brain and nervous system function.
Stress, or more specifically, elevated Cortisol, can by itself cause hair loss, and/or undermine even the best treatment regime. This protocol, or even a portion of it, will not only blunt any negative effects stress has on hair growth, but confer an array of benefits that includes, but is not limited to enhanced libido, better sleep, lower BMI (body fat), Nootropic/cognitive benefits, improved endurance.