Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, is associated with well-known symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain and difficulty sleeping. While these are the most commonly recognised signs, did you know that one of the less obvious signs can be hair loss?
Hair is often regarded as a woman’s crowning glory, serving as a form of self-expression and a source of confidence. Therefore, when hair loss occurs, it can be profoundly challenging, impacting self-image, social confidence and overall well-being.
If you are experiencing hair loss during perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause, you may be wondering whether these bodily changes are the underlying cause.
In this article, we will explore the connection between menopause and hair loss, explore strategies for managing these changes and discuss ways to support hair health throughout this transition.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause, typically occurring in a woman’s late 40s to early 50s, signifies the end of reproductive years and involves significant hormonal changes that can impact various bodily functions, including hair health. The menopausal transition is categorised into three stages:
- Perimenopause: The transitional phase leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormone levels. It usually begins in a woman’s 40s and can last up to 10 years.
- Menopause: Diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
- Post-menopause: The stage following menopause, extending for the remainder of a woman’s life.
During menopause, the body experiences a decline in the production of female hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining overall health, including hair growth.
Causes of Hair Loss During Menopause
Decrease in Estrogen and Progesterone Levels
- Estrogen is closely linked to hair growth, promoting the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Its decline during menopause can disrupt this cycle, leading to shorter growth phases and increased shedding.
- Progesterone influences hair follicle growth by suppressing luteinising hormone, thereby reducing androgen production, and by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen linked to hair loss. The reduction of progesterone during menopause may decrease these protective effects, making hair follicles more susceptible to miniaturisation and subsequent hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.
Relative Increase in Androgen Activity
While testosterone levels do not typically increase during menopause, the decline in estrogen and progesterone leads to a relative increase in androgen activity. This hormonal shift can make hair follicles more susceptible to the effects of DHT, which binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles, causing shrinkage and eventual hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetics can influence how women experience hair changes during menopause. A family history of hair thinning increases the likelihood of experiencing similar changes, often due to inherited sensitivity of hair follicles to hormonal fluctuations.
Nutrient Deficiency
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin D, can affect hair health during menopause. These nutrients play vital roles in the growth and maintenance of healthy hair.
Stress
The transition into perimenopause and menopause often brings various stressors, including mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, and anxiety, all of which can contribute to hair loss.
Symptoms of Menopause-Induced Hair Loss
When hair loss due to menopause occurs, it can progress so slowly that it may not be immediately noticeable. Given that we naturally shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, the initial signs of perimenopausal and menopausal hair thinning can be difficult to spot.
However, during perimenopause, hair shedding gradually increases. Early signs might include:
- More frequent cleaning of your hairbrush.
- Increased hair collecting in the shower drain.
- Strands appearing more often on your pillow or clothing.
- A widening part.
- A thinner ponytail.
- A flatter, less vibrant appearance.
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can also change hair texture. You may experience changes in hair quality, such as fragility or a tendency to break more easily.
Menopausal hair loss can also affect other areas of the body. You may notice:
- Slower hair growth or hair loss on legs, arms and underarms.
- Thinning or balding in the pubic area.
- Thinner eyebrows and eyelashes.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a qualified medical professional for an accurate diagnosis, as hair loss during menopause can resemble other conditions.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss During Menopause
Various treatments are available to manage and improve menopause-induced hair loss, including:
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that utilises low-intensity red laser light to encourage hair growth. It directs a low dose red laser light (~650nm wavelength) onto the scalp, which enhances blood circulation, accelerates healing, reduces inflammation and stimulates hair follicle activity.
Given these advantages, LLLT is frequently combined with other hair loss treatments to target inflammation—a known contributor to hair loss—and to promote the activity of hair follicles.
Women who are most likely to benefit from Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) include those experiencing mild to moderate menopausal symptoms, those seeking relief from scalp inflammation and those undergoing additional hair restoration treatments such as scalp boosters or hair transplants.
It is important to note that LLLT works best on active hair follicles. It may not be effective for advanced stages of baldness or pattern hair loss.
Hair Growth Supplements
Hair growth supplements can be beneficial during menopause, as they are designed to nourish hair and support growth by providing essential nutrients.
Commonly found in these supplements are vitamins like Biotin (B7), along with Vitamins D, Iron, and minerals such as Zinc. Deficiencies in these nutrients have been linked to hair loss, making supplementation particularly relevant for menopausal women.
Examples include:
- Golden Ratio: Addressing male and female pattern baldness, the Golden Ratio Nutraceutical is a comprehensive hair growth supplement that provides essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids tailored to support the scalp and nourish hair follicles.
- Nourkrin: This supplement features a blend of marine extracts and other ingredients. A study in The Journal of International Medical Research revealed that a six-month treatment with Nourkrin and Marilex led to a 35.7% increase in hair density, with no reported side effects.
It’s important to note that results can vary from person to person. Consulting a medical professional can help determine whether Nutrafol, Nourkrin or another hair growth supplement is suitable for your specific needs.
Treatment For Menopause
While menopause itself does not require medical treatment, some women may seek Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to alleviate specific symptoms associated with menopause.
HRT can help balance hormone levels, which might also benefit hair health. However, keep in mind that HRT is not necessary for everyone and should be discussed with a healthcare provider to evaluate its suitability and potential risks.
Regenera AMT
Regenera AMT is a non-surgical treatment that naturally encourages hair growth by harnessing the body’s own regenerative capabilities. It serves as a safe alternative to more invasive medications and surgical procedures.
The process begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s hair and scalp. Following this evaluation, a specialised suspension containing regenerative cells from small tissue grafts is carefully prepared. It is then administered to the scalp, promoting natural hair growth, increasing hair thickness and enhancing overall scalp health.
This treatment can be advantageous for menopausal women who do not prefer surgical options, such as hair transplants, while already experiencing thinning hair in certain areas.
Before determining a treatment for hair loss during menopause, seek advice from a qualified medical professional. They can accurately diagnose the underlying causes of your hair loss and develop a tailored treatment plan to guide you toward the most appropriate option.
Preventive Measures and Hair Care Tips
While menopause-induced hair loss can be inevitable due to hormonal changes, there are several strategies you can adopt to manage and minimise its impact. Here are some preventive measures and hair care tips you may consider:
Reduce Stress
Fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause can influence a woman’s physical and emotional responses to stress. You may experience feelings of low mood, diminished self-confidence, and a sense of being overwhelmed, anxious, or isolated.
This is why it is important to keep your stress levels in check to manage menopausal symptoms. Explore hobbies like reading, do yoga, practice mindfulness, meditation or other breathing relaxation techniques.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Ensuring an adequate intake of specific nutrients during menopause may help strengthen hair and potentially mitigate hair loss.
Practise Gentle Hair Care
Adopt gentle hair care practices to minimise hair damage. Refrain from using heated styling tools such as curling irons, hot rollers and blow dryers, as they can weaken hair strands.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s essential to consult a doctor as soon as you experience sudden hair loss, develop bald patches, lose hair in clumps, have an itchy or burning scalp, or feel concerned about your hair loss.
Seek assistance from a qualified medical professional or a licensed hair restoration doctor who can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your hair loss during menopause. This ensures you receive a personalised treatment plan based on your unique situation, ultimately leading to more effective management of your hair loss concerns.
What To Expect During a Hair Loss Consultation
A consultation should be conducted by a doctor experienced in hair loss conditions. You will be provided with a medical questionnaire that you should fill out as accurately as possible, as this information assists the medical professionals in identifying the underlying issue.
During a hair loss consultation, the evaluation process will begin with a comprehensive medical history. This is complemented by special tests of the hair and scalp, which include assessments for hair breakage and the identification of the number of hair follicles currently in the resting or shedding phase.
Additionally, blood tests are performed to identify any hormonal, nutritional, inflammatory or metabolic dysfunctions that may contribute to hair loss.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the connection between menopause and hair loss is necessary for women experiencing this natural transition. As hormonal changes occur, particularly a decrease in oestrogen levels, hair growth cycles can be disrupted, leading to thinning hair or hair loss.
While hair loss can be emotionally challenging, there are steps women can take to manage this issue. Consulting with a qualified medical professional can help determine the underlying cause of hair loss and discuss potential treatment plans. This may include low-level laser therapy, hair growth supplements and Regenera AMT, to name a few.
If you are experiencing sudden hair loss during menopause, schedule a consultation today with our medical professionals at Terra Medical. Together, we can create a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve a healthier, fuller head of hair.
FAQs
Telogen effluvium refers to the excessive shedding of hair in the resting or telogen phase, often triggered by metabolic stress, hormonal fluctuations or certain medications. According to a study, fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause may contribute to chronic telogen effluvium.
Yes, post-menopause can increase the risk of developing androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) due to a permanent decline of oestrogen. Women may notice that their part becomes wider, and hair around the temples may begin to recede. Without appropriate treatment, they may experience more extensive thinning throughout the scalp.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Terra Medical recommends consulting a medical professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
