Eyebrow Hair Loss & Stress

The eyebrows frame the eyes, and add definition and dimension to the face. Eyebrow hair loss can be traumatizing. Sudden loss of the brows can cause insecurity, and a person may isolate himself, becoming depressed or angry. Stress does play a role in hair loss; therefore, it is important to identify the cause and work on its elimination. Support groups are available for people experiencing temporary or permanent hair loss known as alopecia.

• Eyebrows frame the eyes and add dimension to the face.

Identification

• Losing or shedding hair is normal--about 100 hairs daily--as the hair goes into a "resting phase." Hair is renewed through its growth cycle, which consists of resting, shedding and regrowing. This relates to hair all over the body, including eyebrows. Stress can play a major role in eyebrow and other hair loss. The process of "resting" in the hair growth cycle is called telogen. Stress can cause hair to be forced into the resting stage and shed too soon. This state is called telogen effluvium.

Conditions

• According to the Mayo Clinic, telogen effluvium is the most common type of stress-related hair loss. In some cases, extreme stress can lead to a condition known as alopecia areata. Alopecia areata causes white blood cells to affect the hair follicle, thus ending hair growth. Hair begins to fall out within weeks. With both conditions, the hair begins to grow back within a few months, but the cycle can repeat.

Telogen effluvium

• Telogen effluvium has many causes resulting in eyebrow loss. More commonly, high fever, chronic illness, severe stress, childbirth, major surgery, infections and thyroid problems have been identified as the potential origin. Crash diets, iron and protein deficiency can lead to eyebrow hair loss. Other causes can be attributed to certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories, antidepressants and beta blockers. A health-care provider can pinpoint the cause through examination and possible tests.

Alopecia areata

• Eyebrow hair loss with alopecia areata generally follows hair loss on the top of the head. Signs generally appear as smooth round patches on the scalp, but can appear on the eyebrows, also creating patchy spots. Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disease, and genetics may play a role in its development. The condition may be activated by a trigger, such as a virus. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, this condition affects over 5 million Americans.

Considerations

• Hormonal imbalances and hair treatments can contribute to hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows and other areas of the body. You should contact your health-care provider if you experience sudden patchy or more than normal hair loss. The cause may be a hidden medical condition. Diseases such as diabetes and lupus can also be factors in hair loss.