Can you lose hair from menopause? (2023)

Menopause and hair loss go hand in hand for many women. Studies show that just over half of all women experience some level of menopausal discomfort.Hair lossthe lost.

By definition,MenopauseIt occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months. However, the hormonal dips that cause hair loss can begin years before the official menopause (perimenopause) and last long after the change is complete (postmenopause).

This article provides an overview of menopause and hair loss. Discusses the hormones that can cause hair loss and strategies to combat hair loss in menopause.

Symptoms of hair loss in menopause

Hair loss during menopause is not obvious at first. Humans lose an average of 50 to 100 hairs a day.Hair loss begins to increase during perimenopause. The first signs of menopausal hair loss are subtle:

• You need to clean your hairbrush more often.
• More hair builds up in the shower drain.
• You'll find more hair on your pillow, clothes, home, or car than ever before.
• Hair breakage becomes more common.

As hair loss occurs slowly, it may take some time for the changes to be visible in the mirror. Your part may become wider, your ponytail may appear thinner, and your hair may appear flatter and duller.

If this excessive hair loss continues for a while, noticeably fine patches may appear in the upper center of the hairline and near the hairline on the forehead. Fine patches may also appear on the back of the head, near the top of the head, or on the nape of the neck.

Menopausal hair loss can also occur on other parts of the body. Many women find that hair growth on their legs, arms, and underarms slows or stops. Pubic hair may also start to thin, leaving bald patches. Your eyelashes and eyebrows may also become thinner during menopause.

Causes of hair loss in menopause

Hormonal fluctuations are the main cause of hair loss during menopause. Menopausal hair loss can occur at any of the three stages of menopause:

• perimenopauseIt is the time before menopause. That's when hormone levels start to fluctuate. It usually starts around age 40 and can last up to 10 years.
• Menopause it becomes official after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. While every woman is different, the average age of menopause in the US is 52 years.
• after menopauseit begins as soon as menopause is official and lasts until the end of a woman's life.

during a perimenopause,estrogenmiprogesteroneThe levels start to drop. These hormones play a role in promoting hair growth, density, and volume. When they fall out, hair loss occurs that does not grow back as fast as before.

A decrease in progesterone and estrogen also triggers an increaseandrogens. These are male hormones that are found in smaller amounts in women than in men. Androgens can make hairfollicleshrink on the head, resulting in a type of hair loss known asandrogenic alopecia.

What medications can cause hair loss?

Medications prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms usually don't cause hair loss and may even help prevent it. However, medications that treat other conditions common to women over the age of 40 can contribute to hair loss.

Types of medications that can cause hair loss include:

• Drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism
• antidepressants
• Heart medications (anticoagulants and beta-blockers)
• epilepsy medication
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
  

How to treat hair loss in menopause

Treatments for menopausal hair loss can include lifestyle changes, medications, and professional treatments.

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Rogaine (Minoxidil), an over-the-counter hair loss treatment for male pattern baldness, may also help women with androgen-related hair loss. Research shows that topical Rogaine treatments can promote hair growth in women with female pattern baldness, which can occur during menopause.

Rogaine is available in different formulas for men and women, both as a serum and as a foam. Minoxidil is also available as a generic or unbranded product. The main difference between the male and female versions is the dosage:

• Serum:The Rogaine serum for men contains 5% minoxidil, while the women's only contains 2% minoxidil. Both need to be applied twice a day.
• Foam:The foam is only available in formulas with 5% minoxidil. The male version is used twice a day, while the female Rogaine is used only once a day.

Common side effects of topical minoxidil include itching, dryness, scaling, or burning. Although serious symptoms are rare, call your doctor immediately if you experience weight gain, facial swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heartbeat, or chest pain.Pregnant women should not use topical minoxidil.

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Oral medications that may be prescribed for hair loss in women include:finasteridemiSpironolactone.

finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia, is commonly prescribed for male pattern baldness. Some research shows that finasteride may also help hair loss to regrow in women.Finasteride is also used to treathirsutism, unwanted androgen-related hair growth on a woman's face, chest, or back.

SpironolactoneIt is a medication used to treat acne that may be effective for hair loss associated with menopause. While it doesn't seem to help regrow hair, research shows it can prevent further hair loss and improve hair quality and thickness in about 40% of women with female pattern baldness.

microagujas

A more recent therapy against hair loss is microneedling. Microneedling can be done in the dermatologist's office or at home. However, it is better to consult your doctor first before using it.

The technique, most commonly used to treat scars, involves a roller with hundreds of tiny needles that puncture microscopic holes in the skin. This controlled injury triggers an immune system response that can help promote hair growth.

Research on microneedling for hair growth is focused on androgenetic alopecia. A 2020 review of studies found microneedling to show promise for increasing hair density, thickness, and quality.For best results, it is recommended to combine microneedling with topical minoxidil.

laser treatment

Laser treatments, also known as light therapy, work a low-intensity light into the scalp, triggering a response that signals new hair growth. The light is believed to increase the number of hair follicles and increase the strength of the hair.

hair transplant

A hair transplant can help with severe hair loss during menopause. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which hair is removed from one part of the body (usually the back of the head) and implanted in bald areas.

It can take up to a year to see the full results of the hair transplant. Additional surgeries may be needed over time to fill in new bald spots.

reduces stress

The hormonal changes associated with menopause can cause your stress levels to increase. When this happens, it can be difficult to rebalance your hormones. Also, stress is a common cause of hair loss.

To keep stress under control, you can try stress reduction techniques such as:

• Meditation
• breathing relaxation techniques
• Yoga

Also, regular exercise can help reduce stress.Walking, bicycling, dancing, and walking are gentle options that can help keep stress levels down.

Eat a balanced diet

Diet plays a crucial role in hormonal balance. Research has found that women who experience hair loss during menopause may not be getting all the nutrients they need.Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can help reduce hair loss.

Some specific nutrients to include are:

• protein: Protein can strengthen hair and hair follicles, thus reducing hair loss.
• slices: Healthy fats play a role in the production of steroid hormones that protect hair and skin. Healthy fats include omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• vitamins: Vitamins A, B, C and D play a role in hair health. Adequate supply of these nutrients is important to alleviate hair loss caused by menopause.
• minerals: zinc, iron, copper,Selenium, calcium and magnesium are important for proper hair growth.