Does the menopause result in hair loss?
Alopecia, the term used to describe hair loss, typically happens gradually. Hair loss can happen in a variety of ways depending on the individual and its many causes. Thinning hair and hair loss can also be brought on by hormonal changes, such as those that take place during menopause, in addition to drugs, illness, heredity, and stress.
Is hair loss typical?
Both sexes struggle with hair thinning and loss, despite the fact that males are typically blamed for it. According to certain research, severe hair loss may occur in women up to 50% of the time. Androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium hair loss are the two main reasons why women experience hair loss.
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Hair loss with telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss that happens when several hair follicles enter the telogen growth phase at the same time. The follicle “rests” and the hair fall out during the telogen, or resting, phase of hair growth. Up to 70% of your hair may suddenly cease growing as a result of the circumstances that contribute to telogen effluvium. This form of hair loss may be either temporary or permanent, depending on the person. These are the most typical reasons for this kind of hair loss:
- Extreme bodily stress (childbirth, illness, surgery).
- A great deal of stress.
- Irregular thyroid activity.
- certain treatments.
- Hormonal alterations (related to birth control, pregnancy, menopause).
Hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia happens when male sex hormones have an impact on the hair follicle. Male pattern baldness is the term used to describe androgenetic alopecia in men; female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is used to describe the condition in women, which affects up to one-third, or 30 million, of all women in the United States. Women may have FPHL for a variety of reasons, however some of the reasons they are more likely to do so are as follows:
Are over 40 years old:
- Wear ponytails or other tight hairstyles.
- Apply chemicals for hash hair frequently.
- Recently gave birth.
- Utilise specific drugs.
- Had chemotherapy recently.
- Are going through menopause.
During the menopause, hair loss is a frequent occurrence. While hair loss and thinning are both more subtle in women than in males, they nonetheless happen and can be upsetting and worrying. According to research, hormonal imbalance is the cause of hair loss during menopause.
Progesterone and oestrogen, two crucial hormones, vary in concentration throughout menopause. Hair grows and stays on the head for extended lengths of time thanks to the hormone’s oestrogen and progesterone (before naturally shedding). The rate of hair growth slows and becomes thinner as these hormone levels fall.
Increased synthesis of androgens, which are male hormones, is another effect of low levels of progesterone and oestrogen. Androgens cause hair follicles to shrink, which results in head hair loss. Some women may develop facial hair as a result of androgens.
How do doctors identify baldness?
Every day, people shed their hair. The average daily hair loss on a human head is between 50 and 100 hairs. This happens as a result of the natural hair growth and hair shedding cycle. When hair loss exceeds hair growth, hair loss results.
A doctor can do tests to help identify if hair loss is hormonal or brought on by another factor if you notice your hair is falling out in clumps or if you are concerned that you are losing more than 125 hairs per day. Your doctor will order a number of tests to determine the precise reason of your hair loss before offering treatment options to stop hair loss during menopause and a diagnosis.
Such tests could, for instance, involve:
- Blood tests to assess the levels of particular hormones, vitamins, and minerals
- (Such as sex hormones and thyroid hormones).
- Scalp examination using a specialised microscope.
- A scalp biopsy to look at the skin on the scalp
- A “pull test” to determine how many hairs are pulled out.
How can I stop menopausal hair loss?
Hair loss in menopausal women is (nearly) always caused by hormonal changes, but stress, illness, nutritional variables, and hair care practice’s can also contribute. Let’s talk about some advice for women on how to treat hair loss and enhance the general health of their hair.
Increase activity
Benefits of physical activity are numerous. Some common menopause symptoms can be lessened or even prevented with regular exercise. Including exercise in your regular routine will help you feel better, avoid insomnia, and gain less weight. They are all crucial elements in preserving hormone balance, which is essential for good hair.
Reduce Stress
Hormonal imbalance might result from too much stress. Stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help with menopausal symptoms like hormonal changes that affect hair health.
Keep Hydrated.
Our bodies consist of 60% of the water. Water is essential for many of our daily tasks and for the regular operations of our biological systems. This also pertains to sound hair growth. Each needs a different amount of water, but as a general rule, you should try to drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water every day.
Consume a healthy diet.
Another strategy to combat menopausal hair loss is to consume a balanced diet that is heavy in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while being low in fat. Include vitamins and minerals including vitamin B6, folic acid, and vital fatty acids in your diet as well. Everyday foods like almonds, salmon, flaxseed oil, walnuts, and tuna contain fatty acids.
Accept natural hairstyles.
Damage and breakage might result from chemically treated or tight haircuts. Moreover, hair care products, extensions, and styling equipment that include harsh or unnatural chemicals may have an adverse effect on the health of the scalp and delay hair development. Avoid using heated styling tools and chemical treatments if at all feasible.
Review of drugs
Both certain conditions and some medications have been known to cause hair loss. If you develop hair loss, discuss your medications with your healthcare provider to see if there is an alternative.
When should you see a doctor?
Both avoidable and curable forms of hair loss exist. The earliest therapies are the most successful. It is crucial to contact your healthcare practitioner as soon as you start seeing hair loss. They can collaborate with you to find out more about the reasons behind your thinning hair and suggest tailored treatments.