It's a moment many of us dread – noticing more hair than usual in your brush, watching strands circle the shower drain, or seeing your part gradually widen. When hormonal changes are behind your hair loss, the experience can feel particularly overwhelming because it's often connected to other significant life transitions or health challenges.
At Joseph's Wigs, we understand the emotional journey that comes with hair loss. We've supported countless customers through periods of hair loss and hormonal shedding, and we're here to help you understand what's happening and explore your options with compassion and expertise.
Understanding the Hormone-Hair Connection
Our bodies are complex ecosystems where hormones serve as chemical messengers, orchestrating everything from our metabolism to our mood. Hair growth is no exception – it's heavily influenced by hormonal balance.
Each hair on your head follows a natural cycle:
- Growth phase (anagen): Active growing period lasting 2-7 years
- Transition phase (catagen): A short transitional period
- Resting phase (telogen): When hair stops growing and eventually sheds
Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt this delicate cycle, pushing more hairs prematurely into the resting and shedding phases, resulting in thinning hair or noticeable hair loss.
Life Stages & Hormonal Hair Loss Treatment
Pregnancy and Postpartum
During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen levels keep hair in the growth phase longer than usual, often resulting in thicker, fuller hair. However, after childbirth, oestrogen levels drop rapidly, causing those extra hairs to shed all at once – a condition called postpartum hair loss or telogen effluvium.
What helps?
- Remember this is temporary – most women see regrowth within 6-12 months
- Gentle hair care and volumising products
- Nutritional support with iron, vitamin D, and protein
- Temporary styling solutions, such as wigs, while waiting for regrowth
Menopause & Perimenopause
As we transition through menopause, declining oestrogen and progesterone levels, combined with the relative dominance of androgens (male hormones present in all women), can lead to female pattern hair loss – thinning primarily at the crown and along the part line.
What helps?
- Speak with your healthcare provider about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options
- Scalp care routines to support healthy hair growth
- Wigs and hair toppers that blend seamlessly with your natural hair for added volume and coverage
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS affects up to 10% of women and causes hormonal imbalances, including elevated androgens. This can trigger male-pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) with hair thinning at the crown and temples.
What helps?
- Lifestyle modifications to manage PCOS symptoms
- Medications that address hormonal imbalances
- Anti-androgen treatments
- Low-level laser therapy
- Premium wigs designed for those with sensitive scalps
Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Thyroid hormones directly affect the development of hair at the root, so imbalances often result in diffuse thinning across the scalp.
What helps?
- Proper medical treatment to restore thyroid function
- Patience – hair typically begins regrowing once hormone levels stabilise
- Nutritional support for hair health
- Temporary hair solutions like our natural-looking wigs that provide coverage & confidence during treatment
Beyond Hormones: The Stress Factor
Stress itself triggers a hormone called cortisol, which can affect other hormone levels and contribute to hair shedding. This creates a challenging cycle, as hair loss often causes more stress, which can worsen the problem.
What helps?
- Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep
- Gentle exercise to reduce cortisol levels
Practical Steps for Managing Hormonal Hair Loss
Medical Approaches
- Consult with specialists: Specialists can identify underlying hormonal imbalances
- Hormone testing: Blood work can reveal imbalances that may be addressed with appropriate treatment
- Hormone-balancing treatments: Depending on your specific situation
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Nutritional support: Focus on iron, zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins, and adequate protein
- Gentle hair care: Minimise heat styling, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles
- Scalp health: Regular massage to stimulate blood flow and specialised scalp treatments
- Stress management: Prioritise activities that reduce cortisol levels
Styling Solutions
While addressing the root causes of hormonal hair loss, many clients find tremendous comfort and confidence in our high-quality wigs and hair pieces:
- Full wigs: Offering complete coverage with natural-looking hairlines and movement
- Toppers and partial pieces: Blending with your natural hair to add volume where needed
- Scarves and turbans: To protect your scalp and keep you cool
- Temporary synthetic options: For occasional use during special events or high-stress periods
- Long-term, human-hair wig solutions: For ongoing management of chronic hormonal conditions
Unsure what’s right for you? Discover the key differences between human hair and synthetic wigs.
Finding Your Path Forward
Hormonal hair loss can be an emotional journey, but remember that you're not alone.
Whether you're looking for a temporary solution while waiting for postpartum regrowth, seeking a confidence boost during menopause, or managing a chronic hormonal condition, we're here to help you explore options that feel right for you.
Hair loss may be part of your story, but it doesn't define you. With the right support, information, and guidance, you can face this challenge with confidence.
Get in Touch with Joseph’s Wigs
We know that buying your first wig can be daunting – but we’re here to help. Browse our extensive range of high-quality headpieces today or get in touch for tailored hair loss guidance and support.
Husband and wife duo, Stuart and Claire, understand the emotional aspects of hair loss and are dedicated to helping you find solutions that make you feel like yourself again. Start your journey today.
