How Stress and Hormones Affect Hair Loss – And What You Can Do About It
Hair loss is rarely caused by just one factor. For many people who visit APT Medical Aesthetics in Oakville, Ontario, the problem can be traced to a combination of elevated stress levels and hormonal changes. These two triggers, whether occurring separately or together, can have a significant impact on how your hair grows, sheds, and recovers. When stress levels rise, your body releases higher amounts of cortisol and other stress hormones. These can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle by pushing follicles into the “shedding” phase (telogen) too soon—a condition known as telogen effluvium. This can result in noticeable hair fall within weeks or months after a stressful event. While often temporary, this shedding can persist if the underlying stress isn’t addressed. Hormonal changes can also have a profound effect on hair health. Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone—whether due to pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—can alter the way hair follicles function. Elevated androgens in particular can shrink follicles over time, leading to thinner, weaker hair and slower regrowth. When stress and hormonal imbalances occur together, the impact on your hair can be compounded, accelerating shedding and making it harder for follicles to recover. That’s why understanding the interplay between these two factors is such an important first step toward finding an effective solution. With the right treatment plan—which may include advanced in-clinic therapies, targeted prescription options, nutritional support, and lifestyle strategies—it is possible to slow shedding, stimulate regrowth, and maintain thicker, healthier hair for the long term. At APT Medical Aesthetics, we work with you to identify the root causes of your hair loss and create a personalized plan designed to address them from every angle.
How the hair growth cycle works Your hair grows in repeating cycles, each made up of three main phases • Anagen phase – The active growth stage that can last several years. Most of your hair is in this phase at any given time. • Catagen phase – A short transitional stage lasting about two weeks, where growth stops and the follicle begins to shrink. • Telogen phase – The resting phase that lasts several months before the hair naturally sheds to make way for new growth. When the body is under stress or hormonal changes occur, more follicles can enter the telogen phase prematurely. This process, known as telogen effluvium, is one of the most common forms of hair loss triggered by these factors.
How stress affects hair Stress can impact the body in many ways, but when it comes to hair health, the connection is surprisingly direct. When you are under physical or emotional stress, your body shifts its energy toward essential survival functions and away from non-essential processes such as hair growth.
How hormones influence hair health Hormones act as chemical messengers throughout your body, influencing everything from metabolism to mood — and hair growth is no exception. Several types of hormones play a role in maintaining healthy hair, and disruptions can lead to noticeable changes. Androgens such as testosterone and its derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can shrink hair follicles in those who are genetically susceptible, leading to androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss. This type of loss is progressive and can occur in both men and women. Estrogen helps keep hair in the anagen growth phase longer. Drops in estrogen levels, such as those after childbirth or during menopause, can trigger increased shedding. Thyroid hormones are also important for follicle function. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to thin, become dry, or fall out more easily.
When stress and hormones work together In many cases, stress and hormonal imbalances don’t just occur independently—they happen at the same time, amplifying their effects on hair health. This combination can create a powerful disruption to the hair growth cycle, making shedding more severe and regrowth more difficult. For example, chronic stress places ongoing strain on the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing cortisol and influencing the balance of other key hormones in the body. When the adrenal system is overworked, it can contribute to imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. For individuals who already have a genetic predisposition to thinning hair, this shift can accelerate the onset or progression of hair loss, making it appear more rapidly and aggressively. Women are particularly likely to notice these changes during times of natural hormonal fluctuation, such as pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or menopause. During these life stages, the body’s hormone levels shift dramatically, which can temporarily weaken the hair follicles or cause them to enter the shedding phase more quickly. If high stress levels are present at the same time—whether due to lifestyle pressures, sleep deprivation, or emotional strain—the shedding can be more pronounced, last longer, and take more time to recover from. Addressing both stress management and hormone balance together is key to breaking this cycle and giving the hair the best chance to recover, regrow, and maintain its strength over time.
Diagnosing the cause of your hair loss Determining whether your hair loss is due to stress, hormones, or both is key to developing an effective treatment plan. At APT Medical Aesthetics, we start with a thorough consultation that includes a review of your medical history, lifestyle factors, and a close examination of your scalp and hair. In some cases, blood work may be recommended to check hormone levels, thyroid function, or nutritional status. Understanding the exact cause allows us to target the problem directly, whether through stress management strategies, hormone balancing, or a combination of approaches.
Professional hair loss treatments in Oakville Ontario At our Oakville Ontario spa, we offer several advanced treatments that address both stress and hormone-related hair loss. These include • Platelet Rich Plasma therapy – Uses your own concentrated platelets to stimulate follicles and promote thicker growth • Microneedling with growth factors – Enhances scalp health and improves the effectiveness of topical treatments • Low-Level Laser Therapy – Extends the growth phase and supports healthy follicle activity • Prescription treatments – For women, spironolactone can block the effects of DHT, while other medications can help balance hormones contributing to hair loss These treatments can be used individually or combined for maximum benefit, depending on your unique needs.
At-home strategies to support in-clinic treatments While professional treatments provide targeted results, your daily habits play a big role in long-term success. To support hair health and reduce shedding, we recommend • Following a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, iron, and vitamins • Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or regular physical activity • Protecting the scalp from sun exposure with SPF products designed for hair and scalp • Using gentle, medical-grade shampoos and conditioners to reduce breakage • Ensuring quality sleep to allow the body to repair and restore itself These steps help create the best possible environment for healthy hair growth while preventing further damage.
The role of early intervention Hair loss due to stress or hormones can often be improved, but early treatment makes a big difference. The sooner you address the underlying cause, the better your chances of slowing or reversing the process. Many patients delay seeking help, hoping the shedding will stop on its own. While this can happen with short-term stress, ongoing loss should always be evaluated by a professional. In some cases, waiting too long can result in permanent miniaturization of follicles, making regrowth more challenging.
All images used under license from Canva. © APT Medical Aesthetics, 2025. All rights reserved.
Restoring confidence through hair health Hair is more than just a physical feature—it’s a significant part of self-image and personal expression. When it begins to thin or shed, the change can feel deeply personal and emotionally challenging. At APT Medical Aesthetics, our mission is to help you not only restore your hair but also rebuild the confidence and comfort that come with feeling like yourself again. We start by helping you understand the “why” behind your hair loss. For many patients, the causes are multifactorial, with stress and hormonal imbalances playing a key role. By identifying these triggers and addressing them together, we can create the ideal environment for your hair to recover, strengthen, and grow. This holistic, targeted approach ensures that we are supporting your hair health from every angle—inside and out. Whether you are dealing with sudden, noticeable shedding after a stressful life event, gradual thinning linked to hormonal changes such as menopause or postpartum recovery, or a combination of both, our team has the expertise, advanced training, and cutting-edge technology to help. From in-clinic treatments like PRP and microneedling to at-home strategies and lifestyle guidance, we tailor every plan to fit your unique needs and goals. At APT Medical Aesthetics, restoring your hair is about more than improving density—it’s about restoring your confidence and helping you feel like yourself again.
The bottom line on stress, hormones, and hair loss Stress and hormonal changes are two of the most common triggers for hair loss, and they often overlap. By understanding how each factor affects the hair growth cycle, you can take steps to protect your hair and promote healthier regrowth. With professional treatments such as PRP therapy, microneedling, and prescription solutions, combined with at-home care and lifestyle adjustments, you can improve both the appearance and health of your hair. At APT Medical Aesthetics in Oakville Ontario, we are here to guide you every step of the way. 📞 (905) 849-8646 ✉️ info@aptmedspa.com 🌐 aptmedicalaesthetics.com Book your consultation today and take the first step toward restoring not only your hair but also your confidence. BACK TO ALL ARTICLES
CATEGORIES
RECENT POSTS
Oakville
(905) 849-8646
info@aptmedspa.com
905-849-8646