Evaluation of Stress in Hair Loss Through Biomarkers of Allostatic Load

Abstract

Hair loss due to stress is a frequent complaint, but stress is difficult to measure and quantify. The term allostatic load refers to the effect of cumulative stress and life events on the immune, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and metabolic systems. Biomarkers of these systems can be evaluated to represent the stress levels. Because nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, omega 3, and amino acids play a role in improving these biomarkers and reducing stress, we hypothesized that improving these markers would result in hair regrowth. We placed 25 male and 25 female patients meeting criteria for stress-associated hair loss on an oral synergistic nutrient combination program for 6 months; minoxidil or finasteride was not used during this time. Biomarkers and trichoscopy were used to assess response to treatment. We found that the abnormal biomarker indices returned to normal or near normal after 6 months of nutrition therapy. In addition, we noted an 18% improvement in hair caliber and 23% improvement in hair density. We therefore concluded that hair loss due to stress may be restored using nutritional correction.