Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that marks the end of the reproductive cycle. It’s an inevitable transition that every woman must go through, and while most people associate menopause with hot flashes and mood swings, hair loss is also a common symptom. The hormonal changes that occur during menopause, including a decrease in estrogen levels, can significantly impact the health and appearance of your hair. Menopausal hair loss can be distressing and affect a woman’s self-confidence, but there are several actions women can take to prevent and manage hair loss during this transitional stage.
Manage Stress
One of the most crucial steps to maintaining healthy hair during menopause is to manage stress. High-stress levels can lead to hair thinning and loss by disrupting the natural hair growth cycle. It may help to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress levels. Exercising can help manage hormone imbalances, possibly contributing to menopausal hair loss. It can also reduce stress, improve sleep, and manage weight. Don’t forget to stay hydrated!
Eat Well
Eating a balanced diet is also essential for maintaining healthy hair during menopause. Ensure you consume enough protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and zinc. Consider incorporating fish, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds into your diet to help promote healthy hair growth.
Therapies And Treatments
Topical treatments such as Minoxidil can also effectively combat menopausal hair loss. This over-the-counter treatment stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, creating an ideal environment for growth. Using hair products that suit your hair type can also help reduce hair loss.
HRT- Hormone Replacement Therapy. Certain HRT products can help to treat female pattern hair loss. The hair-friendly ones are Premique and Indivina; both of these products contain the anti-androgen medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is a drug used to prevent endometrial cancer and to treat abnormal menstrual bleeding, and Angeliq (containing drospirenone).
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a procedure in which the patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge so that the platelets are concentrated and injected into the scalp. The theory is that the platelets have growth factors that stimulate hair growth.
Low-level light lasers- devices that emit low-energy laser light may stimulate hair growth to fight hair loss. You can have the treatment professionally done by a therapist experienced with these devices, or there are laser combs, helmets, and other devices that can be used at home. The low-level laser light has been shown to stimulate hair growth in a few studies. However, the long-term safety is unknown.
Supplements such as biotin, collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain healthy hair during menopause. If you’re considering supplements, discuss with your healthcare provider the appropriate dose and any potential side effects.
In conclusion, menopausal hair loss is a common and unfortunate side effect of menopause. However, several options are available to help reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Maintaining a healthy diet, considering HRT, using topical treatments, and making lifestyle changes can help keep your hair strong and healthy during menopause. Remember, consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment or significantly changing your diet or lifestyle.