Day: 14 April 2023

Categories
Hair Losss

Stress and Hair Loss

We get asked during our consultations, “Does stress cause hair loss?” nearly every single time when prescribing medication for it. Therefore, we decided to answer this question for you as best as we can, and as part of National Stress Awareness Month 2023. 

Stress Hair Loss

Can stress lead to hair loss? The simple answer is yes, it can. But it’s complicated. Stress can trigger or exacerbate three types of hair loss: telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania. While stress-induced hair loss is often temporary, it is essential to consult a doctor (or us) if it concerns you. Hair loss can be distressing and worrisome, regardless of age or gender, especially when the cause is unknown.

This article will explore how stress can cause hair loss, its symptoms, and potential treatment options.

Why does stress lead to hair loss?

Stress is commonly considered a psychological issue, but it can also impact your body. Chronic stress can result in an excess of stress hormones circulating throughout the body, negatively affecting it and potentially causing hair loss.

What are the typical symptoms?

The symptoms of stress-induced hair loss vary depending on the individual and the type of hair loss experienced. Let’s examine the different types of hair loss caused by stress.

Types of stress-induced hair loss

1. Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium, the most common type of hair loss caused by stress, occurs when more hairs move from the active growth phase (anagen) to the resting phase (telogen). This leads to an increased amount of hair loss than usual. Stressful experiences can shorten the anagen phase and push more hairs into the telogen phase, making stress a known trigger for this type of hair loss.

2. Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata, another type of hair loss triggered by stress, is believed to be related to the immune system. This condition causes small, coin-sized bald patches across the scalp, face, and body. Stress is considered a trigger that can initiate the symptoms of alopecia areata. One theory suggests that stress hormones affect the immune system, causing immune cells to target hair follicles.

3. Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, the compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair, can be influenced by stress in some individuals.

Can hair grow back after it is lost?

can stress cause hair loss

In most cases, this type of hair loss is temporary. Telogen effluvium typically resolves within six to nine months, while mild alopecia areata may also experience regrowth.

Treatments for stress-related hair loss

Various treatments are available if hair does not regrow fully or at all.

Minoxidil (Regaine) is a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp to address thinning caused by telogen effluvium.

A range of treatments are available for alopecia areata, including steroid creams, lotions, tablets, injections, dithranol, and immunotherapy.

Psychological therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is considered the most effective treatment for trichotillomania, which is often related to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviour.

Helping you manage Stress

To reduce stress-related hair loss, consider the following management tips:

— Identify stressors in your life and act on them
— Take control of stressful situations
— Exercising regularly greatly reduces stress hormones
— Connect with friends, family, and colleagues – regain social connections
— Reduce alcohol, smoking, and caffeine consumption
— Maintain a healthy, balanced diet

Male Pattern Baldness

The most common cause of hair loss in men and women is androgenetic alopecia, known as male pattern baldness in men and female pattern baldness in women. This type of hair loss affects approximately 50% of men over 50 and 40% of women over 50.

Therefore, you mustn’t confuse genetic hair loss with the stress-induced type, as hair loss is such a common, natural and normal, condition.

We are able to prescribe a treatment for this type of hair loss. Following a consultation online, you’ll be able to select your preferred medicine and our prescribers will assess whether the treatment will be suitable for you.


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This blog post was written on behalf of Halo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

Categories
Blood Test

Blood Test Booking

 

As part of National Stress Awareness month, we’re gonna take a look at the main different types of blood tests that are available for you to book or by, and what they reveal about your body. Halo Pharmacy have made blood test booking easy. 

The main blood tests in the UK are as follows:

— Tropin
— Blood Glucose (Hb A1c)
— Cholesterol (Lipid Profile)
— Liver Blood Tests
— Full Blood Count (FBC)
— Group and Save (or Group and Screen) Test
— Urea and Electrolytes (U&E)
— Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
— Blood Gas Test
— International Normalised Ratio (INR)

Let’s now look at them a bit closer individually:

Blood Test Booking

Troponin

When experiencing chest pain, a blood test is often conducted to measure troponin levels, a protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle damage occurs. This test can help diagnose a heart attack, but low levels don’t necessarily mean one didn’t occur.

Women typically produce less troponin than men, which can lead to missed heart attack diagnoses. Research is being conducted on methods to measure this protein at lower levels, known as high-sensitivity testing. Troponin tests are always done in a hospital setting, and results are generated quickly to enable a diagnosis and treatment in the quickest time possible.

Blood Glucose (Hb A1c)

This test checks blood glucose levels, which aids in accurately diagnosing diabetes and guiding doctors to the best treatment. If levels are slightly elevated but don’t meet diabetes criteria, a pre-diabetes or ‘borderline’ diabetes diagnosis may be given. Lifestyle changes, like losing weight, can help bring these levels back to normal. A 12-hour fasting period might be required before this test.

Need to speak to one of our Healthcare Professionals about a blood test? Simply get in touch! 

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Cholesterol (Lipid Profile)

This test, done at a GP surgery or hospital after a heart attack, measures total cholesterol, ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. If results are abnormal, statins may be prescribed to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The test is also useful for monitoring medication effectiveness in reducing ‘bad’ cholesterol and determining if dosage adjustments are needed. Although many people only need annual testing, more frequent monitoring may be required for those with persistently high cholesterol despite treatment, or a lipid management specialist may be consulted.

Liver Blood Tests

Previously called liver function tests (LFTs), these tests ensure the liver is functioning correctly. Various enzymes and proteins are examined, with higher or lower levels indicating possible liver damage. Abnormal test results do not necessarily indicate liver dysfunction.

Full Blood Count (FBC)

This test examines specialized blood cells and can detect anaemia, infections, or certain viral conditions like myocarditis.

Group and Save (or Group and Screen) Test

This test is performed if a blood transfusion is anticipated, such as during surgery or in severe anaemia cases. It determines blood group and screens for antibodies that could affect transfusions. Conducted at a hospital pre-assessment clinic or during an emergency admission, the test must be completed within 72 hours before a potential transfusion and may be repeated if necessary.

Blood test booking made easy

Urea and Electrolytes (U&E)

This test measures blood electrolytes, like sodium (salt), potassium, and magnesium. Abnormal heart rhythms can result from imbalanced levels, so adjustments are crucial. Urea, a protein produced by the body and broken down in the kidneys, can indicate kidney function issues if present in higher-than-normal levels, which can also impact heart health.

Some heart medications, such as ACE inhibitors, can affect kidney function, so this test helps doctors determine if it’s safe to adjust dosages based on the patient’s condition and test results.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

This test can diagnose or determine heart failure severity and can be performed by a GP or in a hospital. If symptoms of heart failure are present, such as swollen ankles or shortness of breath, a positive test result can enable early initiation of appropriate medications.

Blood Gas Test

Blood taken from an artery in the wrist is sometimes tested for oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and chemical balance. Typically conducted in settings like emergency departments and intensive care units, this test is used for patients with breathing difficulties or lung issues.

International Normalised Ratio (INR)

For those taking warfarin (an anticoagulant medication), maintaining blood clotting levels within the range specified by a medical specialist is crucial. The test essentially measures the duration required for blood to clot. Patients can visit an anticoagulation clinic for testing, or some general practitioners and community nurses offer this service.

Test results assist doctors in determining the appropriate warfarin dosage and the frequency of subsequent blood tests. Achieving the optimal level may take some time, resulting in dosage adjustments.

Some individuals utilise personal INR monitoring kits, which are especially beneficial for those who find it challenging to attend regular testing sessions.

Blood Test Booking made easy

If you’re looking for more information regarding a specific test, then please get in touch with our expert pharmacists, who will gladly talk you through them.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Halo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.