Understanding and Managing the Menopausal Hair Loss: A Comprehensive Guide
Menopause involves a significant alteration in the reproductive hormones of the body, which are also linked to hair growth and maintenance.
Hair loss is a common and deeply troubling symptom experienced by women during the Menopausal transition.
It can have a profound effect on their self-esteem and confidence.
However, there are treatment and management strategies one could adopt to address this concern effectively.
To better comprehend the strategies, let’s first gain an understanding of the underlying causes behind Menopausal Hair Loss.
What causes Menopausal Hair Loss
The hair growth cycle relies heavily on the presence and balance of reproductive Hormones.
Androgens, including Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone, along with their prohormones, play a pivotal role in promoting terminal hair growth.
Estradiol and Progesterone also aid in developing and maintaining healthy hair follicles.
A significant shift in the levels of these hormones characterizes the menopausal transition.
Therefore, the start of this transition also impacts the health and composition of hair.
This impact can appear in thinning hair, receding hairline, increased hair shedding, and reduced hair volume.
During the Perimenopausal period or transition to Menopause, there is a noticeable reduction in hair density and diameter.
Menopausal women often experience Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), characterized by a decrease in hair density, specifically in the central area of the scalp.|
FPHL is a result of depletion in Estrogen Hormones.
Hair loss and thinning in women become more familiar with age, especially among Postmenopausal women.
Statistics reveal that approximately 80% of women experience hair loss by age 60.
Menopausal Hair Loss treatment strategies
In order to effectively tackle hair loss, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach that encompasses both medical interventions and attentive care.
A strategy to tackle Menopausal Hair Loss not only focuses on halting the current loss but also includes preventive measures to minimize future hair loss.
Let’s discuss the measures which can be considered to effectively manage this concern.
Scalp Massage
In addition to providing a relaxing effect, scalp massage enhances blood flow and softens the scalp’s skin.
Evidence suggests that engaging in a daily hair massage routine for 11 to 20 minutes can stabilize hair loss or even stimulate regrowth.
It also has a positive impact on overall hair thickness.
Hence scalp massage can be an extremely effective and easy strategy to tackle Menopausal Hair Loss.
Stress Management
Research has found stress to be associated with hair loss.
Therefore stress reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga practice might help minimize hair loss.
Hair Loss treatments
Hormonal imbalances can also lead to Female Pattern Hair Loss(FPHL), where thinning and loss are observed on the head’s top and crown.
This is known as Androgenetic Alopecia(AA).
There are a few medical interventions available that help in promoting hair growth.
These may include:
Topical Solutions
A few topical medications have shown to be effective in handling hair loss.
These can be applied on the scalp as a solution or foam.
Minoxidil solution is an FDA-approved topical drug for promoting hair growth in women.
Topical Minoxidil 2% and 5% solution or foam is available over the counter or could be ordered online.
Another recommended solution is Topical Cetirizine.
It is safer and shows significantly higher hair regrowth than other topical therapies.
Low-Level Laser Therapy(LLLT)
In cases where topical solutions do not produce satisfactory results, laser therapy is a viable option.
Low-Level Laser Therapy is a non-invasive and safe alternative that has proven effective in hair growth.
LLLT can also be used in conjunction with topical solutions for increased hair regrowth.
This therapy can be administered in the form of laser combs, caps, and helmets as well.
These devices are recognized and cleared by FDA for home usage.
Dietary Changes
The ingredients of the diet not only serve a role in the synthesis of steroid hormones but also directly impact the structure and growth of hair.
Therefore, integrating a nourishing diet can have positive effects not just on the overall health of the hair but also on managing Menopausal Hair Loss.
Below are some key nutrients you should consider when designing your diet plan.
Fats
Fats help in steroid hormone synthesis which, in turn plays a role in keeping the hair in proper build and attached to the skin properly.
You can include fish, flax seeds, walnuts, wheat sprouts, eggs, olive oil, and rapeseed oil in your diet to supply your fats.
Proteins
Protein deficiency can lead to poor hair synthesis and weak or lost hair.
Cottage cheese, fish, meat, soya, lentils, beans, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and nuts are excellent sources of Protein.
Additionally, grain products such as buckwheat, barley, and brown rice also provide a good amount of Protein.
Carbohydrates
Highly processed foods rich in simple sugars indirectly cause excess hair loss.
Hence, including complex carbohydrates with low glycemic index can help minimize Menopausal Hair Loss.
Full-grain bread, rice, vegetables, and fruits such as apricot, cherry plum, orange, and grapes can help you get those complex carbohydrates.
Vitamins
Vitamins have a constructive role in hair growth and maintenance, particularly Vitamin C, B , and A Vitamins.
Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to hair loss.
Hence it is important to consume Vitamin rich food for a proper supply of these nutrients.
Some good sources of Vitamins include green vegetables, fruits, meat, and whole grains.
Minerals
Several minerals are associated with hair health.
Studies have revealed that minerals are essential for hair growth as well.
Their deficiency may lead to increased hair loss, particularly Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium.
Supplements
We have established that nutrients play a vital role during the lifecycle of hair, and their deficiency can be an accelerator in Menopausal Hair Loss.
If the natural means are insufficient for the proper supply of nutrients, they can also be taken as supplements.
Biotin
Biotin (also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H) was observed to be in deficient quantities in women with hair loss issues.
A 2017 research supported hair growth improvement with Biotin supplementation.
However, there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of Biotin; hence it may not be a wise choice as a primary approach to treating Menopausal Hair Loss.
Nutraceutical supplements
Nutraceutical derives from Nutrient and Pharmaceutical products that offer a combination of food and medical drug components.
They offer health benefits as well as the prevention or treatment of a disease.|
A 12-month study indicated incremental improvements in hair growth and a positive effect on secondary symptoms of Menopause.
Alternate Strategies
There can be a situation where the care and medical strategies don’t result in satisfactory outcomes.
This can affect a woman’s quality of life to a bothersome extent.
However, some measures can be taken to compensate for hair loss and regain confidence and emotional well-being.
These can include measures to conceal Menopausal Hair Loss.
One can opt for hair wigs, extensions, or partial hair pieces.
Hair Transplant is also a possible solution to permanently conceal Menopausal Hair Loss impact.
Summary
Hormonal shifts during the Menopausal transition lead to common occurrences of Menopausal Hair Loss among women.
The treatment approach to these problems aims at inducing hair regrowth as well as preventive measures to minimize Menopausal Hair Loss.
The preventive measures are taking proper care of your hair and adopting a healthy lifestyle, including stress management, dietary changes, and scalp massage.
The medical solutions include Menopausal Hair Loss treatments such as the application of Minoxidil, Cetirizine solutions topically.
Another medical treatment is Low-Level Laser Therapy to induce hair regrowth.
Some alternative options can also be considered if these measures do not produce satisfactory results.
These can include using supplements and concealing Menopausal Hair Loss using hair wigs, extensions, patches, or hair transplants.
It is important that you consult an expert to determine which strategy is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be done for Menopausal hair loss?
A combination of preventive and corrective measures can be adopted to tackle Menopausal Hair Loss. These include care regimes such as massage, dietary changes, and medical interventions such as Minoxidil Topical Solution, Low-level Laser Therapy, and supplements. However, an expert’s advice should be taken before deciding on a solution.
Will hair loss in Menopause grow back?
Yes, there are a few treatments that have shown hair regrowth. These include Topical solution usage (Minoxidil, Cetirizine ) and Low-Level Laser Therapies. However, these solutions’ effectiveness varies from person to person, and a medical professional should supervise their usage.
What Vitamins help with Menopausal Hair Loss?
Vitamins of groups A, B, and C are associated with the growth and maintenance of hair. Hence foods rich in these vitamins can help minimize Menopausal Hair Loss. A supplementary supply of vitamins may also be considered if one cannot get a proper vitamin supply through diet.
What is a natural remedy for thinning hair during Menopause?
Natural ways to combat thinning hair during Menopause include hair care and lifestyle changes. Regular scalp massage has proven to be effective in minimizing Menopausal hair loss. Stress management activities such as Yoga, meditation, and a proper supply of Vitamins A, B, and C greatly help manage Menopausal hair loss.
