Unlocking the Secrets of Hair Changes: Stress, Thyroid Disease, Cushing’s Syndrome, and Nutritional Deficiencies
Changes in hair shape, texture, or thickness can be indicative of health problems, genetics, stress, or nutritional deficiencies. Stress is a common factor that can lead to premature gray hair and hair loss. It is important to note that while chronic stress may damage DNA and reduce pigment-producing cells in hair follicles, natural graying is a normal part of the aging process.
In addition to stress, thyroid disease can also cause hair loss. Hypothyroidism can lead to increased hair loss and changes in hair appearance. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, facial swelling, and weight gain. A TSH test can help diagnose the disease and determine appropriate treatment. Some thyroid disorders can also increase the risk of alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles and leads to sudden hair loss.
Cushing’s syndrome is another condition that can cause brittle and easily breakable hair due to excess cortisol production in the body. Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include high blood pressure, fatigue, back pain, weight gain around the midsection or upper back area (a “double chin”), thinning skin with easy bruising or stretch marks (purple lines on arms), thickening of the thighs and neck (also called buffalo humps), acne-like rash on face or neck with oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis), insomnia or sleep disturbances due to restlessness from hormonal imbalance (hypersomnia), headaches or migraines from tension or hormonal fluctuations (migraines). Treatment involves medication and other methods to correct excessive cortisol production by the adrenal glands.
Nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to changes in hair shape, texture or thickness. Low iron stores or anemia can lead to weakened strands that easily fall out while protein deficiency can cause thinning and hair loss so it’s important to include sources of protein like yogurt, beans, chicken
