What You Need To Know About Hair Loss During Menopause
The various symptoms of perimenopause and menopause affect each woman differently. Along with hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep problems, some women experience thinning hair. Hair loss during menopause is not a sign that something is medically wrong, but it can be startling to many women. Lets look at why menopausal hair loss happens and what can be done to treat it.
Seven Ways To Reverse Thinning Hair In Women
Just like what has been said earlier, thinning hair in women is a condition that you can reverse. Here are just some ways for you to reverse that problem, which usually affects the female population:
#1 Have a regular scalp massage
Note that an unhealthy scalp may be the culprit for your thinning hair. With that said, you can stimulate your scalp and make it healthier by giving it a regular massage. This type of massage is similar to massaging your body, neck, or back. However, you need to do it a lot gentler when used on your scalp. Just use your fingertips to apply pressure on your scalp gently. Doing so can encourage blood flow.
You can also further enjoy more benefits from a scalp massage with the aid of a handheld scalp massager. It contributes a lot to getting rid of dead skin cells. You can also find brushes that mainly serve as scalp massaging tools. The only thing you have to do to use the handheld massager and the brush is to let them work over your entire scalp similar to when you are applying pressure on the area gently using your fingertips.
You can also further improve the benefits of your scalp massage by using essential oils and serums. Among those that promote hair growth are peppermint and lavender oils. In that case, you may also want to take advantage of a massaging serum applicator. With the aid of such an applicator, you can use a hair and scalp serum designed to fortify your hair and deal with age-related thinning.
#2 Improve your diet
Menopause Weight Loss Combo
During perimenopause and menopause, women tend to gain more midsection fat and have a harder time losing weight. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that 1. increase fat deposition around the midsection and 2. slow down metabolism. This double trouble is why your old diet tricks don’t work. Until you address underlying hormonal imbalances, extra pounds are going to stay stuck. So that’s why we’ve combined Herbal Equilibrium, for menopause symptom relief and hormonal balance, and M-Boost, our metabolic formula for weight loss, cravings and metabolism support, into an easy to take Menopause Weight Loss Combo. Weight gain in perimenopause and menopause is different and our support gives you the tool to finally shed this stubborn weight.
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Is Menopausal Hair Loss Permanent
While some men might be able to get away with a bald look, the case may not be the same for women. Menopausal hair loss doesnt have to be permanent. There are many solutions, ranging from cosmetic and easy enough for every day, like wearing wigs and taking supplements, to medical options like hair transplants, platelet-rich plasma treatments and scalp micropigmentation.
Nutrafol Women, which received Allure magazines 2018 Breakthrough Award, is a nutraceutical supplement that has been clinically shown to improve hair growth and hair quality. Nutrafol Womens Balance is formulated specifically for women facing hair issues related to perimenopause and menopause and can help return hair to its former glory with only natural ingredients. The supplements contain clinically tested, patented ingredients that address the root causes of thinning hair and boost hair growth, including Saw Palmetto, Maca, Ashwagandha, astaxanthin and other nourishing herbs and vitamins.
Menopausal Hair Loss: Is It Reversible
Menopause is a time of extreme hormonal changes that typically occurs around the late 40s and early 50s. After menopause, many different physical symptoms can appear, including menopausal hair loss. These symptoms can also include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, and vaginal dryness.
Many people want to know if hormonal hair loss can be reversed. The answer is yes! Fortunately, unlike genetic hair loss, most hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances is reversible.
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How Can We Recognise Androgenic Alopecia
Female androgenic alopecia is characterised by a diffused thinning of hair over the crown of the head. Women might notice a widening of their natural hair parting or a less full ponytail. However, if hair-loss more closely resembles male-pattern balding , this might be a sign of a different hormonal condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome . Other symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, acne, excessive facial hair growth and irregular periods.
Poor diet and iron-deficiency can also result in hair loss. The NHS advises consulting a GP if you have sudden hair loss, develop bald patches, lose hair in clumps or experience itching or burning sensations on the scalp.
Will Hormone Replacement Therapy Help With Female Hair Loss
Having healthy hair is often associated with confidence and a positive self-image, especially for many women. One bad hair day can affect how a woman feels about herself, and there are studies that show how female pattern hair loss can have psychological effects and negatively impact their quality of life. Female pattern hair loss is common during the menopausal transition but intervention with hormone replacement therapy can help combat further hair thinning.
So how exactly can hormone therapy treat thinning hair for women? Hair loss among perimenopausal and menopausal women can often be caused by hormone imbalance where estrogen levels drastically drop. Getting HRT can restore balance to the female hormone levels, slowing down the shrinking of hair follicle and maintaining ideal hair density.
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How Common Is Female Hair Loss
Just like male hair loss, female hair loss becomes more common with age. Studies show that only 12% of women between the ages of 20 and 29 show some degree of hair loss, from loss around the hairline or temples to diffuse, overall thinning.
On the other hand, women aged 80 and up have a more than 60% chance of experiencing some degree of hormonal hair loss. Because hormonal hair loss is partly caused by a genetic sensitivity to DHT, your risk of hair loss could be higher if your mother, siblings or other female relatives have hair loss.
If youre concerned about hair loss, its important to take action quickly. Because hair loss is gradual and affected by DHT, acting quickly allows you to minimize hair loss and maintain as much of your hair as possible.
Wigs And Head Coverings
If hair loss is extensive, you may find that a wig or head covering can give a life-changing confidence boost. Wigs are widely available on the high street, online and from the NHS Alopecia UK has a thorough and informative guide here. Be aware of the latest concerns regarding the use of human hair and its link to modern slavery and trafficking. Leading hairdresser and wig maker Denise McAdam now only works with synthetic hair for this reason.
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What Are The Cycles Of Hair Growth
Hair goes through three cycles:
- The anagen phase can last from two years to eight years. This phase generally refers to about 85% to 90% of the hair on your head.
- The catagen phase is the time that hair follicles shrink and takes about two to three weeks.
- The telogen phase takes about two to four months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out.
Your shorter hairs like eyelashes, arm and leg hair and eyebrows have a short anagen phase about one month. Your scalp hair can last up to six years or even longer.
What Can I Do To Prevent Menopause Hair Loss
1. Eat plenty of good foodsA balanced diet fill of vitamins and minerals and is low in saturated fat.
2. Add SupplementsA daily multivitamin or mineral supplement to get the nutrients you may have missed in your diet and help to replenish key nutrients.
3. Exercise RegularlyExercise can help in keeping your mood swings in check, maintaining your weight, and helping you sleep, all of which help to contribute to hormonal balance and promote healthy hair growth.
4. Stay HydratedStaying hydrated can keep your skin and hair healthy and also improve blood circulation, which keeps your follicles nourished.
5. Look after your hairUse a gentle, moisturising shampoo and conditioner when you wash your hair. Choose products that are made specifically for dry or damaged hair that will increase its elasticity.
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Estrogen Progesterone And Androgens
Estrogen and progesterone hormones keep your hair in the growing phase the longer the growing phase, the longer and healthier your hair can grow. When your levels of estrogen drop, the growth cycle of your hair shortens and hairs shed before it reaches its maximum length.
A decrease in estrogen and progesterone also triggers an increase in the production of androgens, or a group of male hormones. Androgens do not decrease your number of scalp hairs they miniaturize the hair bulbs, causing a reduction in the volume or body of your hair overall. So, your hair may not be falling out more or failing to grow back, but the hairs growing in to replace the lost ones are thinner and weaker.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
- What is the cause of my hair loss?
- How many strands of hair am I losing per day?
- What type of hair loss do I have?
- Will my hair loss be permanent?
- Whats the best treatment for me?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Hair loss may cause you distress whether it happens because of genetics, a disease, or even stress. Know that there are some treatments you can try, and expert dermatologists are there to help you. Your hair loss may be able to be reversed. See your healthcare provider as soon as you notice something wrong because the sooner you start treatment, the better.
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The Typical Hair Loss Experience
On average, a person loses around 100-200 hairs a day to allow for new hair growth. During menopause, when your hair is breaking, it may seem that you are losing more than the average amount. In reality, however, your hair is not falling out but breaking somewhere along the hair strand itself, giving the appearance of thinner hair.
Lets Talk About Hormone Replacement Treatment For Menopause
At HerKare, our focus is to help women feel their best with personalized health care solutions. We understand the many ways menopause can impact your life, so we work with you to find treatments that are tailored to you. Our providers take the time to listen, then well work together to find ways to help you improve your physical, emotional, and sexual health. Were here to help you enjoy life, not just push through unwanted menopause symptoms. Schedule an appointment online today!
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Why Does Menopause Cause Hair Loss
Although most people wouldnt automatically think of hair loss as a menopause symptom, the hormonal changes which the menopause causes can have all sorts of unexpected effects on the body.
The hormones oestrogen and testosterone have the most important influence on hair growth. During the menopause, levels of oestrogen decrease. This hormone is important for promoting hair growth. While oestrogen levels drop, testosterone levels increase disproportionately. This causes the hair that does grow to be thinner than before, and can also cause facial hair.
However, there are other causes of hair loss. These include factors as simple as what you eat to more serious issues such as stress, certain illnesses and medication. It is important to get to the root of the problem in order to find the most effective treatment.
What Are Some Tips For Dealing With Hair Loss In Women
There are some things you can do on your own. You might check with your stylist or try some of these:
- Coloring your hair adds volume to the strands, making your hair seem fuller.
- Massaging your head, like when you are washing your hair, can stimulate blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.
- Getting your hair cut shorter, and having layers added, can make your hair seem fuller.
- Using the right kind of shampoo can also help. Look for a shampoo that adds volume without using sulfate detergents.
- Using the right kind of product at the right time can also help. There are products that add volume that you add while your hair is still wet. However, using too much product can add weight.
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Treatment For Menopause Hair Loss
Nutrients and Alternative Remedies:
Nutrients:
- Iron, in situations where anaemia is present. Anaemia can cause hair loss.
- Zinc and biotin are considered helpful with hair growth. A lack of these nutrients can cause brittle hair and nails.
Ginseng:Has been shown to promote hair growth in several studies, its effects on isolated human dermal papilla cells were evaluated using cytotoxicity assays, immunoblot analysis of signalling proteins, and the determination of associated growth factors.
Black Cohosh: Is thought to assist in preventing hair loss by serving as an âoestrogen bufferâ to protect hair follicles to DHT. It helps slow down the thinning process.
Aloe Vera: this works to soothe and calm a damaged scalp which may create a healthy environment for hair cells to replenish and flourish
Garlic: applying garlic gel to areas of the scalp that have experienced hair loss together with a steroid treatment has been shown to lead to more hair regrowth compared to a placebo.
Hormone Replacement TherapyBio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
If youâre noticing hair loss, that has become sudden, it is important to always consult your medical professional to ensure your health is fully assessed as in many instances, complex diagnostic testing may be required.
Find Out If A Medical Issue Is Causing Your Hair Loss
Perimenopause is a natural state of aging, but hair loss can be a symptom of a more serious problem. The first thing you should do if youre experience hair loss is see your doctor to make sure you dont have a health issue .
Once you and your doctor have determined that your hair loss is caused by perimenopause, it might be time to try out some other treatments.
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Natural Supplements And Vitamins For Menopause
In our experience, women are often not aware of the power that vitamins, plants and herbal remedies have to prevent symptoms. In many cases, their strength comes from an adaptogenic effects. Certain plants and herbs can adapt to the needs of your body because they share specific molecular features with your own hormones. This can encourage hormone production, slow it down, or even mimic your own hormones depending on your bodys unique needs.
Here is a list of the best herbs and supplements for menopause symptoms, plus the evidence behind their effectiveness and relevant safety information.