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Menopause and Hair Loss
Although male baldness is more advertised, hair loss is a universal problem that is not limited to men. Many women suffer from hair loss, as well. In fact, two thirds of women experience hair loss at some point in their life. Half of these women suffer from female pattern baldness, which, unlike male pattern baldness, primarily affects the area where the hair is parted. There is less awareness about female pattern baldness, probably because it is less immediately obvious than male pattern baldness. Particularly during menopause, women become more susceptible to thinning hair because of hormonal changes.
Hormonal Imbalance and Genetics
During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to drop, creating an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen in the body. While this leads to hair loss, it can also lead to more facial hair. Genetics can be involved in this process, as well. Menopause will exacerbate genetic hair loss, which is caused by a testosterone-derived hormone called dihydrotesterone, or DHT. DHT essentially affects the hair follicle, shrinking the hair itself over time, making hair appear thinner, overall.
Treatment Options
There are many options for the treatment of thinning hair. Before attempting any medications or therapies that might alter your body chemistry, it might be wise to try a wig, or even to simply try changing your hairstyle. Female hair loss can be effectively covered up, using some creativity. If you desire more concrete results, many health care professionals will recommend estrogen treatments. Professionals frequently prescribe DHT blockers to combat hair loss at the follicle level. Hair replacement surgery is yet another option. Like any surgery, it will have potential side effects, as well as a recovery period. It is important to have a professional, such as a hair-loss specialist or physician, assess your health before you proceed, as certain treatment options, such as hormone replacement therapy, can have side effects.
Prevention
Preventing hormonal hair loss is not an easy feat, but certain lifestyle changes might help. No matter what condition you are hoping to prevent, eating and living healthfully is your best defense. High levels of stress are associated with increased levels of insulin, which, in turn, leads to heightened levels of androgen, another male hormone. Fighting stress by maintaining a healthy diet, sleep and exercise schedule could save your luscious head of hair in the long run. To specifically target potential hair loss, you might try increasing intake of vitamin B6, as well as washing with specialized shampoos, such as hydaluronic acid shampoo, which has healing and anti-aging properties. If you are experiencing menopause related hair loss, a local hair loss specialist can help you to analyze your situation and advise you on what steps to take.
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