Hair Follicle as a Target of Stress Hormones and Autoimmune Reactions

September 2010 in “ Journal of Dermatological Science ”

Taisuke Ito

hair follicle stress hormone autoimmune reactions alopecia areata immunobiology hormonal environment cortisol immune privilege hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis inflammatory responses stress immune system hair loss autoimmune disease

TLDR Stress hormones and autoimmune reactions can cause hair loss.

The 2010 review examined the immunobiology and hormonal aspects of hair follicles, emphasizing their unique immune system and hormonal environment. It highlighted the role of stress hormones and autoimmune reactions in hair loss, particularly in alopecia areata. Hair follicles were found to have a functional equivalent of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, enabling them to synthesize cortisol, which could lead to immune privilege collapse and make them targets for autoimmune attacks. The study suggested that stress-induced hormonal changes could worsen hair loss by triggering inflammatory responses and altering immune functions within the hair follicle environment.

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