You know you're not handling stress when...

by Jaclyn
(Ontario, Canada)

I am a 43 year old female, and I've had fine hair, but lots of it, my whole life. Have complained for almost just as long about it being 'too' thick and taking far too long to dry! Well, there won't be anymore complaints when things return to normal, I'll tell you that!!

I've been through many stressful situations throughout my life, one of them being divorce; but, have never suffered hair loss due to stress until this year.

Within a year, I experienced job loss, a relationship loss and gave up my own home, temporarily, as I get myself back on my feet. The last loss wrapped up the beginning of June. All three losses took place in a 6-8 month period of time. Of course, each loss is complicated and has, obviously, taken a great toll on me physically, emotionally and mentally. However, I did not realize the depth of the damage until I began losing my hair in September or so. It is now February, and I am still losing. My hair is no longer thick. I am fortunate that I started off with so much of it, or else I would be afraid of what I would have at this point. I am trying to relax about this as I've yet to 'fix' things in my life to remove the stresses.

I was wondering, also, about exercise. In September, in order to let out some frustration and pent up energy, I joined a kick-boxing class. It's pretty intense, and up to that point, all I was used to doing was the treadmill. I admit, it kicks my butt, but I was wondering if perhaps this was too much for my body to handle in conjunction with all else going on??? I simply thought that exercise would be good for me. Perhaps it's too much??

I saw my doctor, had blood work done, and my iron came back a little low, but that was it. That was in December. My doctor said that it is probably a combination of having low iron and the stresses. Also, my periods are quite heavy and last a long time (7-9 days). I have been taking an iron supplement since December. I have, also, been using Nioxin products, I take all my vitamins, and I've been taking silica.


So, where am I at now?? I am still losing hair at the same rate; however, I do have new hair growth all over...most coming in curly and grey!! Yes, I have much more grey hair now than I did before. I, like everyone, am wondering when this will end? And, am I doing all I can do?? Am I missing something?? My doctor said that the hair loss would probably stop by the end of December, and here we are the beginning of February. I am taking care of my health the best I can, getting lots of sleep, and I am not AS devasted as I was, but I'm still looking for a job and missing my own place. So, I've got some work to do still.

Since this has happened to me, I hear more and more of it, and with young girls, too!!

Editor’s Comments,

Dear Jaclyn,

We are truly sorry to hear about your sudden losses and believe us we totally understand how stressful you felt during those hard times.

It is true facing with tremendous stress can really make your hair fall like crazy. It’s proven and millions of people just like you face it. It’s indeed a very down period of your life and worse of all there is nothing much you can do to rectify the problem immediately.

Stick to what your doctor says as I believe your hair loss should be nothing more than a temporary condition. Stay healthy, relax, do some scalp massages, take plenty of vitamins enriched foods and live a great life and everything should be back to normal in no time.