Are you struggling with hair loss during menopause?
If you are, you’re not alone. Menopause affects each woman differently. Some symptoms include hot flushes, mood swings, sleep disturbance and even hair thinning.
Hair loss during menopause is not a sign something is wrong. It’s just part of the aging process and some women will notice it more than others.
The thing is, losing your hair at any age can have a real psychological impact. One study showed that 55% of women losing their hair at menopause age showed signs of depression.
But the good news is – 89% of that same group got hair loss treatment and significantly reduced their depression symptoms.
Check out our pick for hair loss products here. These are what we have used.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen During Menopause?
Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is a genetic condition meaning some people are already genetically predisposed to lose their hair earlier on. During menopause, hormones fluctuate and estrogen levels dip.
When this hormone lowers, hair growth slows down which may thin hair. The body also produces more androgens directly before and during menopause. These can cause hair follicles to shrink which again contributes to the appearance of hair loss.
Is Menopausal Hair Loss Common?
According to Harvard Health, one-third of women experience alopecia hair loss at some point in their lives. As many as two-thirds of post-menopausal women experience hair thinning or bald spots. Factors that affect your chances of suffering menopausal hair loss include; genetics, age, diet, lifestyle and ethnicity.
Does Hair Regrow After Menopause?
Hair loss during menopause is caused by the lowered production of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Because these hormone levels will not increase again after menopause, your hair will not likely grow back or thicken out without intervention.
The good news is, there are many quality hair loss prevention products you can use to regrow and thicken out your thinning hair. Your hair will also likely become weaker as you age, so ditch the styling tools and tight hairstyles to look after what you have left.
How to Treat Hair Loss During Menopause?
If you are unhappy with your hair after menopause, talk with your GP to discuss your options. They’ll likely give you a full health check to rule out any other reasons like stress, low levels of vitamins or a medical condition. If your tests come back all clear, there are multiple options to improve the look of your thinning hair.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is commonly used as a treatment for men and women experiencing hair loss. It works by widening the blood vessels on the scalp which increases blood flow and encourages new growth. Many hair growth products contain Minoxidil and you can buy it easily over the counter in liquid, foam or spray form.
LED Light Therapies
Low-dose laser treatment works by improving circulation and stimulating follicles to grow new hair. You can purchase your own hair growth laser cap here, which you wear for 15 – 30 minutes three times a week. Results may vary from person to person but one 2014 study showed it to be a safe and effective way to improve hair growth.
A Shorter Haircut
While a new hairstyle won’t regrow your hair, hairstylists say a shorter haircut is a way to hide thinning hair. Thin hair is less obvious with a shorter, textured haircut. Next time you’re at the hairdresser’s, ask your stylist what they think would be good for you.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is a way to build up your low levels of estrogen and progesterone, which have contributed to your hair loss. It may help improve hair thinning and reduce other menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, decreased libido and osteoporosis.
Some experts believe that hormone replacement treatment (HRT) may stop or even reverse menopausal hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in HRT treatment.
To Summarize