It is hair loss during menopause is common for many women. Studies show that more than half of women suffer some degree of hair loss during menopause and after it.
Menopause happens when a woman has no menstrual cycle for at least 12 months. But hair loss can start because of hormonal changes years before menopause or even continue for some time after.
This article gives an overview of menopause hair loss symptoms, causes, and how to treat or at least reduce it.
Symptoms of Hair Loss During Menopause
Hair loss from menopause might not be obvious at first. Normally, people lose 50-100 hairs a day, but this number starts to rise before menopause. Some subtle signs show that hair loss is linked to menopause, like:
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Needing to clean your hairbrush more often.
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More hair gathering in the shower drain.
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More hair on pillows, clothes, or in the car.
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Hair breakage becomes common.
Since hair loss is slow, it can take time to see clear changes. Your hairline may widen, ponytails might look thinner and lighter, and hair may look flat and lose its shine.
When excessive hair loss continues for a while, light patches may start to show clearly on the upper middle part of the scalp, near the hairline on the forehead. Thin patches may also appear on the back of the head near the neck.
Hair loss linked to menopause can happen on other body parts besides the scalp. Many women notice hair growth slowing or stopping on legs, arms, and armpits. Pubic hair may also thin out and even eyelashes and eyebrows can weaken during menopause.
Causes of hair loss during menopause
Menopause-related hair loss can happen at any of the three menopause stages, which include:-
1. Perimenopause:- This is the phase before menopause when hormone levels start changing. It usually begins in the 40s and can last up to 10 years.
2. Menopause phase:- Menopause is officially after 12 straight months without a period, though it varies for each woman. The average age is between 45-55 years.
3. Post-Menopause Stage:- The post-menopause stage starts right after menopause becomes official and lasts for the rest of the woman's life.
Hormonal changes are the main reason hair loss happens during menopause. In pre-menopause, levels of both Estrogen andProgesterone drop. These hormones play a big role in hair growth and thickness. When they drop, hair falls out and grows slower than before.
Also, low levels of estrogen and progesterone lead to an increase in androgens, male hormones found in small amounts in women. These hormones can shrink hair follicles on the head, causing hair loss known as androgenic alopecia.
Besides hormonal changes, medications prescribed for common conditions in women over 40 can also contribute to hair loss. Medications that can cause hair loss include:
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Drugs used to treat Hyperthyroidism.
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Antidepressants Depression.
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Heart medications.
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Epilepsy drugs.
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Anti-rheumatic drugs and other autoimmune disease meds.
How to treat hair loss during menopause
Hair loss treatment during menopause can include many options, from lifestyle changes to medicines and other therapies, These include:-
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Rogaine
Rogaine (minoxidil) is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment that might help women facing hair loss during menopause, often caused by androgens.
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Prescription meds
Some prescriptions your healthcare provider might use to treat hair loss during menopause include Finasteride and Spironolactone.
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Microneedling
A newer hair loss treatment is microneedling. This can be done at a dermatologist's office, but talk to your healthcare provider first.
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Laser Therapy
Laser treatments or light therapy use low-level light on the scalp to trigger new hair growth. The light may also increase hair follicles and strengthen hair.
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Hair Transplant
For heavy hair loss during menopause, hair transplants might help. It's a surgery where hair from one body part, usually the back of the scalp, is moved to bald areas caused by hair loss.
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Reduce Stress
Hormonal changes from menopause can cause higher stress and anxiety in some women. Stress is a common cause of hair loss. You can try some ways to reduce stress attacks, like:
- Meditation.
- Yoga.
- Breathing andRelaxation.
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Eating a balanced healthy diet
A balanced healthy diet can play a key role in hormonal balance for women. Research shows women losing hair during menopause might not be getting all the nutrients they need.
So eating a healthy balanced diet with important nutrients, including Protein andhealthy fats andvitamins and minerals might help reduce hair loss.
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Gentle hair care
To stop more hair damage, women should treat their hair gently by avoiding hot styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.
You should also use a moisturizing and nourishing hair conditioner. If your hair tends to get tangled, keep it tied in a ponytail or bun and avoid pulling it too tight.
