Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHT. These are all hormones that flow through your bloodstream via your endocrine system, and regulate how your body works. Unfortunately, when they go "awry", normal biological functions (including those that regulate hair growth and shedding) can also get "out of whack".
A Delicate Balance
In order for our bodies to run efficiently, our hormones must maintain a delicate balancing act, and any number of things can cause them to go astray. Things like stress, over or underactive glands, and poor diet can trigger a hormone imbalance. So can hypoglycemia (too much insulin in proportion to glucose in the blood). Add in changes related to puberty, the childbearing years, and the peri-menopausal and post-menopausal years and it's easy to see that there are any number of things that can disrupt the hormonal balance in our bodies.
Pregnancy/Childbirth and Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, you might find that your hair is thicker and healthier-looking than usual. This isn't just because of those potent prenatal vitamins you're taking, though. It's also because you're actually not losing as many hairs as you normally would while pregnant. Things change drastically after you've given birth, however, as hormone levels change (mainly charged by a drop in estrogen) and hair goes into a resting phase. This may last up to 3 months, and during this time, you'll more than make up for all those hair "gains" you experienced while pregnant. You may lose hair at a somewhat alarming rate. Rest assured though, that this is a temporary condition, and as hormone levels even out, your hair will revert to its normal growth, rest, shed cycle.
Menopause
Prior to menopause, your estrogen and DHT hormone levels maintain a pretty good balance. Menopause, however, causes estrogen levels to drop, and this can cause your hair to thin out -- sometimes a lot faster than you'd expected it to! (You may see the beginnings of this problem in your peri-menopausal years and the issue may worsen once you reach menopause.) Unless you opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), this condition may be a permanent one.
Thyroid Issues
Thyroid disease can cause hormone levels to rise or drop off to unhealthy levels and cause a multitude of symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, changes in weight, and yes -- even hair loss. The problem will usually resolve itself once your doctor finds the right medicine and the right dosage to bring your thyroid gland back into balance. This can sometimes take months, so it's a good idea to consult with a hair loss expert -- like our professionals at LH Hair in Charlotte, North Carolina -- to find temporary solutions that'll make you fall in love with your hair again.
Hair Loss Can Put You on an Emotional Rollercoaster
Whether you're a man or a woman, it can be pretty upsetting to look in the bathroom mirror and see more of your scalp -- and less hair -- than you're used to seeing. You may feel helpless and sad about the situation, and these feelings are completely normal and understandable. However, it's important to know that much progress has been made in the field of hair loss and rejuvenation.
Solutions
At LH Hair, we fully understand the importance of a full, healthy head of hair. We know that hair loss can negatively affect your self-confidence and even your sense of self-esteem. We'll always keep things tailored to your individual needs, private, discreet and most importantly -- professional. Our in-house full-service salon will help you maintain your style and give you tips on what products and techniques will work best for you and your new hair style.
Why not call (704)-567-7700, or complete our online consultation form to schedule a free, private consultation to find out what services and products are best for restoring your hair? You can also contact us online anytime with questions about our services or to explore the many options we have available for you at LH Hair in Charlotte. Help is as close as your next phone call!
