Extreme Stress and Divorce Can Lead to Hair Loss in Women

A recent study has shown something that some of us already knew, especially those who have gone through a stressful divorce. Women who have experienced a marital breakup are more likely to exhibit hair loss than women who haven't.

Cleveland surgeon Bahman Guyuron, who was the study's lead author, stated he believes the reason divorce is harder on women than men is because men jump into a new relationship faster and women take the relationship more seriously.

While I do not agree with Guyuron's statement about the reasons behind his findings, having read many more studies that show the opposite to be true, it is a fact that extreme stress can cause a plethora of ill effects to the body.

I was shocked to find a large chunk of hair missing, and about a 1 inch round bald spot, on my head while I was going through the stress and anxiety of a divorce. It took a year for the hair to return, and I am grateful that it finally did.

If there was ever any doubt in my mind about the damage that stress causes, that became my wake up call. Many people live constantly on edge, worrying just to worry. Someone one told me, worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but gets you nowhere. I finally took that advice to heart.

Just some of the harmful effects stress has on the body include:

* A weakened immune system.

* High blood pressure, abnormal heart beat and hardening of the arteries, which can in turn cause coronary heart disease and heart attacks.

* Neck, shoulder and lower back pain, and worsened rheumatoid arthritis.

* It can worsen ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis.

* Skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis can develop or worsen.

Here is what you can do to help relieve stress if you are going through a divorce or any other life changing situation:

* Exercise. If there is one cure-all for stress, this is it. Exercising will not only take you away from the stressful situation for awhile, a fit body is more able to deal with the ill effects that stress causes.

* Meditation. Slow, rhythmic breathing can bring instant stress and anxiety relief.

* Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, and consider taking supplements. Flaxseed or Flaxseed oil can help combat the damaging effects of stress and helps reduce anxiety.

* Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep will help you to tackle life's challenges the next day. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider drinking tea just before bed. My favorites are Kava Kava tea and Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra.