Menopause and your hair.
Why is your hair changing in your 40’s and 50’s?
Wondering why your hair is feeling different and not as easy to manage as years past? I believe we as a society aren’t talking enough about the peri menopause and menopause years and how woman are left in the dark on the changes it causes to our bodies. I was fully menopausal at age 46 and am dedicated to helping woman navigate the effects of it on their hair.
1. Hair Thinning and Hair Loss
Hormonal Shifts: The most significant hormonal change during menopause is the decrease in estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that help maintain hair growth. Estrogen promotes the growth phase of hair, while progesterone balances hair cycles. As these hormones decrease, hair may enter the shedding phase more frequently and can become thinner.
Increased Androgens: The relative increase in androgens (male hormones like testosterone) can cause hair thinning, particularly on the scalp. This is similar to male-pattern baldness, where the hairline recedes and the crown thins.
Androgenic Alopecia: This is a common condition during menopause where the hair gradually becomes thinner, especially at the crown and temples. Women may notice a widening part or more visible scalp.
2. Dryness and Brittle Hair
Lower Estrogen Levels: Estrogen helps the scalp produce oils that keep the hair hydrated and shiny. As estrogen levels decrease, the scalp can become drier, leading to hair that feels dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
Reduced Sebum Production: A decrease in sebum (natural oils) may also contribute to hair looking dull and feeling less manageable.
3. Changes in Hair Texture
Some women experience changes in the texture of their hair, such as it becoming coarser, curlier, or more wiry. This can be due to changes in the follicles or a reduction in the smoothness caused by hormonal changes or the increase of grey.
4. Scalp Sensitivity or Itching
Hormonal shifts can also lead to increased sensitivity of the scalp, which might result in itching or even scalp acne in some cases. Dryness and changes in sebum production can further exacerbate this issue.
6. Excessive Shedding
Stress, changes in diet, and hormonal fluctuations during menopause can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where hair falls out more than usual. This type of hair loss is often temporary but can be distressing during the menopause transition.
Managing Menopausal Hair Changes:
Hair Care: Use gentle, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to help maintain hydration. Avoid excessive heat styling, and consider deep conditioning treatments to improve hair texture and reduce dryness. Certain hair colors are better for resistant grays.
Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those that support hair health, such as vitamin D, biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help nourish your hair from within.
Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) can help promote hair growth in areas of thinning.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Some women choose HRT to alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hair loss, although this treatment may not be suitable for everyone. It may help restore hormonal balance and improve hair growth for some women.
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Let us help you with a plan!
Here are some of my favorite books: All linked to Amazon
The Menopause Manifesto, Estrogen Matters, You’re Not Broken, The New Menopause.
There is also a group on Facebook called Wake Her Up.