Author: Burton Ransford
Edited by: Embassy Studio & Medspa
Menopause brings about a range of physical and lifestyle changes, and one often-surprising change is hair loss. Approximately 40 percent of women see their hair thin during this momentous stage of life.
After a shower or when combing her hair, a woman experiencing menopause might notice hairs all over the room. This shedding of hair begs at least two questions: One, why are these hairs falling out, and two, can anything stop them from doing so?
Hormones: The Root Cause
Medical researchers believe hormones are the primary culprits here. During menopause, a woman’s supplies of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone usually decline. At the same time, the amount of the male sex hormone androgen in her body can rise. This situation may lead to weaker, brittle hair.
Other Contributing Factors
Hormones might be the main suspects, but other circumstances can lead to menopausal hair loss. Some women are genetically predisposed to shed hair during this phase. Additionally, if a woman’s diet lacks iron or other vital nutrients, it can be more difficult for each individual hair to hold on.
Stress and anxiety can also take a toll on the follicles, and some prescription drugs can induce hair loss. Certain disorders ― diabetes and anemia are prime examples ― may cause hair to fall out as well.
Given all of these potential causes, women should consider asking their doctors to identify any specific sources of their thinning hair.
Hair Loss Treatments
Hormone replacement therapies aren’t always sufficient for keeping hairs in place. However, other remedies, alone or in combination, can restore the fullness and vibrancy of a woman’s hair.
Those methods include prescribing anti-androgen medication, applying low-power lasers, injecting platelet-rich plasma and relying on a topical substance that rejuvenates follicles. When nutritional deficiencies are to blame, dietary supplements can also be helpful.
The Psychological Effects of Losing Hair
When a woman discovers her hair loss, she may begin to perceive herself negatively. A lack of confidence, a lingering sadness and a pining for lost youth are all common psychological effects caused by hair loss.
Consulting with a hair restoration specialist can be a great approach. At the same time, if a woman feels truly devastated by her hair loss, she might consider sessions with a psychologist as well.
Knowledge Is Power
Getting accurate information is crucial; after all, it’s easy to buy into menopause myths. For instance, it has long been rumored that excessive shampooing can cause hair to fall out and that hormone replacement therapies can be harmful. Those notions aren’t true, and believing them is counterproductive.
As upsetting as it can be, no woman needs to accept hair loss during menopause. It might not be preventable, but it is treatable, and it’s certainly nothing that should cause any shame.
At Embassy Studio, we will educate you about the lifestyle changes and self-care measures you can take to combat hair loss during menopause. Regardless of the cause of your hair loss, we will help you find the hair loss solution that is perfect for you.
Photo Credit: rochelle hartman Via Flickr Creative Commons
Sources:
http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/treatment.asp
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2008846/My-hair-fell-I-hit-menopause-
Maureen-Nolan-distressing-complaint-affects-nearly-half-women.html
http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/psychological-effects-of-hair-loss.aspx
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/tips/a18289/stop-hair-loss/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-j-bauman/hair-loss-during-menopause_b_3873608.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/basics/causes/con-20027666