Excessive hair loss triggers an alarm in anybody’s mind. While it is entirely normal to feel stressed about losing one's hair, the impact of such a phenomenon becomes even more pronounced during menopause. While hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia are commonly associated with menopause, many people do not realize that menopause affects the hair too.
Hair, for many women, is intricately tied to their self-esteem, serving as more than just a physical attribute. Surprisingly, research indicates that 75% of women experiencing hair problems also report a parallel decline in their self-esteem. In 88% of women, hair loss negatively effects their daily life and about 50% experience social problems. This data emphasizes how important it is to address menopausal hair loss.
The blog aims to empower women undergoing menopausal hair loss by offering an easy-to-follow guide. By understanding the causes, exploring treatment options, and embracing natural remedies, women can navigate this transformative phase with confidence, reclaiming control over their hair health.
Understanding menopausal hair loss
Studies indicate that the thinning of hair during menopause can be attributed directly to hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone(female hormones). These hormones play crucial roles in supporting hair growth through the following mechanisms:
Estrogen's role in hair growth
Estrogen contributes to hair growth by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle.
Progesterone's role
Progesterone helps maintain a balance in hormone levels that is conducive to healthy hair.
Cause of menopausal hair loss
According to a study, 50% of women during the postmenopausal phase suffer from female-pattern alopecia. For women going through menopause, the cause of hair thinning, is almost always linked to hormonal fluctuations. However, there are other factors that can influence their hair and scalp during menopause, including high stress levels and nutrient deficiencies.
Natural remedies for menopausal hair loss
Scalp massage
A gentle scalp massage stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting circulation and hair growth. According to studies, scalp massage can increase hair thickness, stabilization of hair loss, and even regrowth in some cases.
Hair masks with natural oils
Applying hair masks with natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, or castor oil nourish the scalp and hair and provides essential nutrients for strength and vitality.
Diet
The food we eat plays a crucial role in making hormones and keeping our hair healthy. So, it is a good idea, especially during menopause and hair loss treatment, to eat a balanced diet containing complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index and products with loads of fiber. Essential vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, vitamin E, and iron, play pivotal roles in maintaining healthy hair. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy oils like olive and sesame, can also boost hair health.
Additional tips to manage hair loss
- Practice stress management techniques.
- Exercise regularly: Regular strolls or a brisk walk on the green lush of Fort Canning Park can be beneficial as an exercise and a stress buster.
- Ensure adequate hydration: Indulging in occasaional water chestnut juice seems like a good idea to get the hydration levels up.
- Choose the right shampoo.
- Use an all-natural hair color.
In conclusion, menopausal hair loss can be a challenging aspect of the aging process for many women, impacting not only physical appearance but also emotional well-being. While hormonal changes play a significant role in menopausal hair loss, addressing nutritional deficiencies, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional guidance can ensure successful mitigation of the hair loss issue.
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References:
- Mirmirani P. Hormonal changes in menopause: do they contribute to a 'midlife hair crisis' in women? Br J Dermatol. 2011;165 Suppl 3:7-11.
- Van Der Donk J, et al. Quality of life and maladjustment associated with hair loss in women with alopecia androgenetica. Soc Sci Med. 1994;38(1):159-63.
- Natarelli N, et al. Integrative and mechanistic approach to the hair growth cycle and hair loss. J Clin Med. 2023;12:893.
- Rivera R, et al. Manejo de la alopecia androgenética en mujeres posmenopáusicas [Management of androgenetic alopecia in postmenopausal women]. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2008;99(4):257-61.
- Gasmi A, et al. Natural compounds used for treating hair loss. Curr Pharm Des. 2023;29(16):1231-1244.