When people think of menopause, they naturally think of hot flashes and mood swings. However, some people don’t realize that hair loss is a side effect – one that can be psychologically devastating. Menopausal hair loss is a subtle process, making it hard to spot until it is substantial. Here’s what you need to know about hair loss during menopause:
Causes of Hair Loss
Most hair loss occurring near menopause is due to hormones. Levels of the female hormone estrogen fall during menopause. This hormone promotes hair growth. The fall in estrogen triggers a rise in male androgens, which results in the failure of hair follicles.
Typically, women lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, but during menopause, this number increases significantly. In women, hair loss spreads over a wide area, so it is less obvious than the bald patches that men experience; however, eventually the follicles can weaken to the extent that baldness does appear. To complicate the issue, some women undergo testosterone therapy during menopause to replace hormones. This can also result in hair loss.
Additionally, hair loss can be caused by stress, genetic disorders, iron deficiency, crash diets and hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disease. This is why it is vital to get a full medical assessment when hair loss occurs around menopause.
Solutions for Hair Loss
Hair loss can be treated a number of ways. Ruling out systemic illnesses such as thyroid disorders is important because they can be corrected – the first stop should be at the doctor’s office.
Laser hair replacement therapy is an effective way to restore hair growth and is often combined with a multi-therapeutic treatment. This therapy takes time to work and needs to be tracked through routine appointments with a hair restoration specialist. When hair grows back after laser treatment, the changes are not noticeable at first, so monitoring by an expert is essential.
Hair loss is psychologically distressing for women. It can lead to a loss of confidence, altered body image, depression, stress and social withdrawal.
Proactive Prevention
Women can help prevent their own hair loss during menopause by taking a few proactive steps throughout their daily routine. Avoiding stressful situations, getting sufficient sleep and improving blood circulation to the scalp can all help prevent hair loss. A scalp massage benefits hair, as it stimulates blood flow to the head. Eating a diet rich in proteins and iron may also keep hair healthy, and taking Vitamin-C to aid the absorption of iron into the bloodstream can further this cause.
It is also advisable to use a gentle shampoo and forgo the blow dryer to avoid damaging the hair. Using heat to dry the hair on a regular basis can damage it and result in loss of volume.
Knowing the facts surrounding hair loss during menopause helps women prevent problems and stay healthy. It also enables them to recognize hair loss early and take action by seeking help. Realizing that there are solutions for menopausal hair loss is a boost to those suffering with the problem. Effective treatment can restore confidence and improve appearances, so women can move on with their lives.
At Genesis II our custom women’s hair loss replacement solutions are specifically designed to meet the unique challenges of female hair loss. No matter the cause of your hair loss we can help. The best way to determine which hair restoration procedure is right for you is to meet with a professional Genesis II hair loss specialist. To schedule a free hair loss evaluation call us at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Lisa Redfern Via Pixabay
