Almost 50% of women and over 80% of men experience significant hair loss in their lifetime. One of the most common causes of hair loss is changing hormone levels.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, there are three main hormones associated with hair loss:
1. Testosterone
2. Cortisol
3. Thyroid hormone
We’ll cover three common types of hormone imbalances that lead to hair loss and how wigs can help people conceal hair loss and regain confidence.
Types of Hormone Imbalance that Causes Hair Loss
Stress: High levels of cortisol, brought on by stress, is a common cause of hair loss. Cortisol forces the hair into a resting phase, followed by a shedding phase in which the hair falls out. This is called telogen effluvium and can be caused by extreme physical or emotional stress such as having a baby, serious illness, anxiety, or the death of a loved one.
Hair loss caused by stress is typically reversible. After addressing the source of the stress and cortisol levels return to normal, hair growth should return in a matter of months.
Thyroid Disorders: When the thyroid is not functioning properly, your body is not producing the right amount of hormones. Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating hair follicle function. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss that affects the entire scalp, as opposed to distinct areas.
Talk with your doctor about medication and treatment for your thyroid disorder. With successful treatment, you should see hair growth after several months, but the texture may be different.
Menopause: All women will experience menopause at some point in their lives. During menopause, the body is adjusting to lower levels of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) which can cause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and hair loss. Low estrogen and progesterone levels cause hair to thin and grow slowly. Menopause can also trigger an increase in androgen hormones which shrink hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
Most hormonal hair loss is reversible with time and treatment. See a doctor to discuss the cause and appropriate treatment for your hormone imbalance as well as treatments for hair loss.
Wigs for Hair Loss
Even though most hormonal hair loss is temporary, many people are uncomfortable with thinning or patchy hair. Fortunately, there is an easy and elegant solution to help people struggling with hair loss look great and feel comfortable – wigs!
Wigs cover thinning areas, add volume, and boost confidence. For those experiencing thinning at the crown of the head, try a wig topper. For thinning at the hairline, consider clip-on bangs. Or explore full wigs for complete coverage.
You can use wigs until normal hair growth returns, but you may enjoy the convenience and versatility of wigs so much that you continue to use them.
Wig-A-Do salon in Mount Laurel, NJ has one of the largest selections of human hair and monofilament wigs in the area. Our compassionate team of licensed professionals will help you choose, fit, and style your wig or hairpiece for a natural and flattering appearance.
Don’t let hair loss kill your confidence. Find your perfect wig today! Call Wig-A-Do at (856) 235-3534 to schedule an appointment.