Menopausal Hair Loss: Understanding And Managing This Common Condition

By Author: Lorange Dinger
Total Articles: 1
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As women transition through menopause, many notice unwanted changes to their body and health. One such change that often occurs is hair thinning or increased hair shedding known as female pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. This condition, simply referred to as hair loss, is very common among post-menopausal women. Some key facts about menopausal hair loss include: It is estimated that over half of all women experience some degree of hair thinning during or after menopause. This is often linked to hormonal changes associated with menopause. Hair loss usually starts gradually over months or years, becoming more noticeable over time if left untreated. It may begin with general thinning all over the scalp or a widening of the part. The hairline itself usually does not recede in female pattern hair loss as it often does in men. Rather, the hair becomes less dense all over the head. In some cases, hair loss can progress to noticeable thinning on the top of the head and more hair shedding than usual when brushing or washing hair. Menopausal hair loss is generally permanent. However, early treatment can help prevent further ...
... hair loss and in some cases regrow hair. What Causes Hair Loss During Menopause? The hormonal changes that come with menopause are considered a major underlying cause of increased shedding and thinning in female pattern hair loss. Specifically, it is linked to: Declining estrogen levels - Estrogen helps keep hair follicles healthy. As estrogen production plummets during menopause, hair follicles can weaken and hairs transition to telogen (resting) phase earlier than normal and then fall out. Rising androgen levels - Testosterone levels may remain the same or even rise as estrogen declines. Testosterone gets converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) by the scalp's 5-alpha reductase enzymes. DHT sensitizes hair follicles and contributes to miniaturization (shrinking). Inflammation around hair follicles - Fluctuating hormones can increase inflammatory markers in the scalp linked to faster progression of hair thinning over time in vulnerable women. Genetics - As with male pattern baldness, the tendency for follicles to be sensitive to DHT is genetic. If a woman's mother or sister experienced significant hair loss, she may be high risk. Lifestyle factors like stress, poor nutrition, weight gain/loss, illness, thyroid issues and certain medications can act as triggers or accelerate the effects of these underlying hormonal causes of menopausal hair loss. Understanding the Stages of Female Pattern Hair Loss It's important to be aware of the general stages or classifications of female pattern hair loss to recognize when it may just be typical shedding versus active thinning requiring treatment: Stage I (minimally noticeable thinning) - Only the frontal hairline (forehead) area is involved with minimal hair volume loss. Stage II (mild hair loss) - Widening of the central part and some thinning of the hair volume over the top of the head is seen, but excess scalp is still not seen when hair is combed. Stage III (moderate hair loss) - Excess scalp becomes clearly visible when hair is combed over the top of the head with thinning extending to the crown. Thinning may also be seen in the lateral (side) frontal scalp. Stage IV (severe hair loss) - Only a very fringe-like hair volume remains around the sides and back of the head. The scalp is fully visible over the top and crown. Stage V (very advanced hair loss) - Near complete balding or baldness occurs except for some small fringes around the back of the scalp. Tracking severity over time and noticing when thinning has progressed from one stage to the next can help guide treatment decisions. Treatment Options for Menopausal Hair Loss There is no single treatment for menopausal hair loss that works for all women. It usually takes a multi-pronged approach combining medical therapies, natural remedies, and lifestyle modifications to prevent further loss and regrow hair over time. Consulting a dermatologist is advised for women concerned about active thinning. Treatment options may include: Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) - This over-the-counter liquid or foam is currently the only FDA-approved treatment. It can stimulate growth of non-bald follicles when applied 2x daily. Results take 4-6 months to see. No side effects for most women. Anti-androgen therapies - For more aggressive loss, oral anti-androgens like spironolactone or finasteride can help by blocking DHT in the scalp. Only suitable if confirmed to have elevated androgens. Can carry side effects. PRP injections - Using a woman's own platelet-rich plasma injected into the scalp boosts growth factors and stem cells to encourage regrowth over multiple treatments. Expensive but showing promise. Lasers and LED lights - Low-level laser therapies (LLLT) deliver red/infrared wavelengths enhancing cellular metabolism, reducing inflammation, and stimulating growth factors. Requires consistent use for several months. Diet and supplements - Make sure to consume hair-healthy nutrients like iron, protein, omega-3s, vitamins D & B. Evening primrose oil, marine collagen peptides supplements also show benefit when taken long-term as a natural complementary option. Scalp massage and essential oils - Gentle massage with rosemary, lavender, or peppermint oil increases blood flow to follicles while relaxing the scalp muscles. Useful as an adjunct treatment. Reduce hair-damaging habits - Avoid super tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals/coloring, irons, straightening treatments, etc. that can stress follicles further. Stress management - Chronic stress is linked to worsening hair loss. Prioritizing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and sufficient sleep can support overall hormonal balance and treatment outcomes. While there is no absolute cure yet for menopausal hair loss, consistent use of evidence-based prescription or best shampoo for menopausal dry hair
tailored to the individual along with healthy lifestyle habits can successfully preserve hair volume and even regrow lost hair in many cases. Tracking progress photos also helps stay motivated. By understanding the causes and taking a multi-faceted approach, women can effectively manage and reduce hair thinning brought on by hormonal changes from menopause. In summary, menopausal hair loss is very common yet manageable given the treatment options currently available. With the proper combination of medical therapies, natural remedies, and lifestyle habits, women can gain control over this unwanted change and keep their hair thick and healthy throughout menopause and beyond. Consulting a knowledgeable doctor is a good first step to assessing each individual case and tailoring a customized treatment plan for addressing the underlying hormonal causes of loss and reversing effects as much as possible at this stage of life.