Menopause and Hair Loss
Menopause is one of the most common causes of female hair loss and one of the least happily endured symptom. Female hair loss can be pretty devastating to any woman in today’s modern society, which emphasizes the importance of an attractive hairdo.
Like childbirth, menopause is a natural occurring state for women and – also like childbirth – the changes manifested in the body can be traumatic. Women begin menopause between the ages of 30 and 50, with most beginning between the mid 40s and mid 50s. However, menopause can occur unnaturally, that is, after surgery or medical treatment. In this case, the symptoms may be much more severe and female hair loss is much more likely.
Female hair loss is not a guaranteed symptom of menopause. It is less common than, for example, hot flashes and mood changes. Women experience female hair loss to varying degrees and some don’t experience at all.
There are many reasons for hair loss in women, here are just a few:
- Stress (elevated levels of cortisol)
- overuse of hair dyes and bleaches
- too much aspirin (two or more daily)
- birth control pills
- diet pills
- cortisone
- chemotherapy
- nutritional deficiency
- hypo or hyperthyroidism,
- hormonal imbalance
- acute stress
Exactly what causes hair loss is still not clear. But many experts have said that the most common cause is androgenetic alopecia or genetic balding. This refers to a genetic process whereby individual hair follicles metabolizes the sex hormone testosterone. Menopausal women experiencing hair loss experience a higher rate of testosterone, or DHT. It is the effect of DHT on hair follicles that results in hair loss.
One way to combat hair loss menopause is to eat food that is more nutritious.
- A woman must eat green leafy vegetables that contain vitamins, zinc and copper.
- Intake of vitamin C, B and E in food promotes hair growth.
- Herbs such as fennel seeds that are a good source of vitamin C.
- Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C. However, there must be a proper balance between vitamin C, zinc and copper intake. An increase in vitamin C and zinc inhibits absorption of copper and vice versa.
Great Tips For a Healthy Mane
Another way to minimize hair loss menopause is to condition hair with natural products like henna. This gives natural color to the hair and is a good conditioner. It’s also important to start using fewer chemicals in washing your hair and to change your shampoos frequently. Letting your hair air dry naturally rather than using a hair dryer would be best, or use a diffuser when you blow-dry.
Use a comb to comb your hair when it’s wet. This avoids breakage and thus reduces hair loss, the less the better. Women who swim should avoid exposure to chlorinated water. Try wearing one of the many “cutzie caps” while swimming and use chlorine filter to filter the water during a shower.
Amino acids promote the growth of scalp hair. However, menopause occurs with aging when the body absorbs less amino acid. Therefore, take high sulfur content foods that contain amino acids, like eggs. Those allergic to eggs can consume sulfur in the form of a supplement that is available at all pharmacists. These diet modifications can greatly reduce hair loss menopause.
Slow Down Hair Loss
One can adopt measures to slow down hair loss menopause. This includes stimulating the scalp with a massage or simply running one’s fingers through one’s scalp. This stimulates blood flow and promotes hair growth. Here is a great recipe for essential oils. How easy is this? Three oils and an awesome scalp massage and bingo…new hair!!
Hair loss menopause greatly affects women’s self-esteem and confidence. This is because there is a change in our physical appearance with growing age.
A good haircut that gives a fuller appearance to the hair is a bonus as we age. And changing up our styling products and routine will keep our locks healthy and shiney and looking amazing.
Beauty after menopause is more a state of mind than it is the amount of hair we have. It is a confidence that we have now that lends more to our beauty than any filler, dye or lift can provide. So let’s rock whatever life throws at us in our most amazing menopause years!
In health and wellness,
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Got an opinion? I would love to hear from you!