April 17

Psychological Effects Of Female Hair Loss Due To Alopecia, Cancer, Or Other Disease Or Age-Related Reasons

“Society and medicine haven’t taken hair loss seriously because it isn’t considered to be life-threatening”, said Founder of the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA) Spencer Kobren to the Washington Post, “But it’s a disease of the spirit that eats away at a person’s self-esteem, and the social ramifications, especially for women, are profound.”

Reports show that of all hair loss suffers more than 40 percent are women. Hair loss while not “life-threatening” can bring its own serious ailments. Hair loss, especially in women, has been shown to significantly diminish one’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. Often feelings of shame, anxiety, vulnerability, and even embarrassment accompany female hair loss and can lead to negative mental and physical outcomes. Irrelevant if the hair loss occurs from a disease such as androgenetic alopecia or because of a disease treatment like chemotherapy, the psychological toll on a person is the same.

“Hair loss in a woman is so emotionally devastating that it can trigger a wide range of social and emotional issues that can negatively impact healthy daily living and overall quality of life,” said Dr. Francis a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology told Medical News Today in an article titled The severe emotional impact of hair loss for women. “I have heard of women that retreat from social situations, have diminished work performance, and even alter their healthy living – avoiding exercise, overeating, not treating other medical illnesses – due to their hair loss,”

Depression as a result of hair loss can lead to a lack of interest or pleasure in actives and loss of energy and or low mood.  Anxiety can lead to sleep deprivation, excessive worrying, and difficulties in dealing with heightened emotions. In addition, because of hair loss, women who have always been outgoing and social can start to exhibit social phobias and social anxiety disorders from fears of being judged negatively as a result of their conditions. These symptoms can have a severe impact on one’s mental health, ability to participate in regular activities of daily life, and overall well-being.

Unfortunately, there is no universal hair loss solution or path that will work for every woman dealing with hair loss. But that doesn’t mean that there is nothing that can be done. There are many medical remedies that are being prescribed by doctors all over the country and doctors and pharmaceutical companies are continuing to investigate procedures and medications that can help. But for those women who are interested in taking a more holistic approach, there is another type of prescription that your doctor can prescribe: a CRANIAL HAIR PROSTHESIS, better known as a wig. 

While not explicitly stated, most medical insurances will cover some, most, or all the cost of a wig if you approach it correctly, using proper diagnosis codes and documentation. With the advances in wig manufacturing, there are even some wigs that will leave people wondering, “Is she wearing a wig?”

Ruby Renee Wigs can match you with the perfect wig to match your face, head shape, and other needs. Contact us today or to get started.


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