The process of menopause can become a turbulent time in any woman’s life. Women going through the process may experience severe symptoms, one of which is hair loss. A study published in The Journal of The Menopause Society found that Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) was prevalent in 52.2% of women who have gone through menopause.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is the period of a woman’s life when her menstrual periods cease permanently. It marks the end of her reproductive years, meaning she can no longer get pregnant. This is a normal process of aging and occurs between the ages of 45 to 55, although in some rare instances, it can be brought on by certain medical procedures.
The transitional period before menopause is called perimenopause. During this period, the amount of hormones produced by the ovaries decreases causing menstrual periods to become more erratic. The process of perimenopause may begin as early as a woman’s mid-30s and as late as her mid-50s.
How does Menopause affect Hair Loss?
One should note that the symptoms and effects of menopause vary from person to person. While one individual may experience little to no effects of the process, another may experience severe effects. FPHL indicates that not all women experience hair loss after menopause, while some may experience significant hair thinning.
The National Library of Medicine explains that during menopause, hormonal fluctuation and aging can affect the hair follicles. A decrease in the hormone estrogen can lead to hair thinning, a change in hair texture, and loss of hair volume. However, they also clarify that other factors may also contribute to FPHL, such as genetics, lifestyle, and diet just to name a few.
What Can You Do About It?
As mentioned in the above section, while a majority of women may suffer from postmenopausal hair loss, multiple factors can trigger the hair loss. Unfortunately, due to these factors, there is no sure-fire way to prevent postmenopausal hair loss but there are treatments you can take to address it.
Using Minoxidil
In certain cases, healthcare professionals may prescribe the drug Minoxidil. Minoxidil was originally created to treat high blood pressure, but individuals who used it noticed that they had regrown hair in areas where they had lost it. Since then, it has been prescribed as a treatment for hair loss.
Iron Supplements
The mineral iron is responsible for carrying oxygen to the hair follicles. Low blood iron levels may contribute to hair thinning and hair loss, and doctors may prescribe iron supplements to combat this. A common over-the-counter iron supplement is ferrous sulfate.
Anti-Androgens
Just as the name suggests, anti-androgens are drugs that inhibit androgens such as testosterone. These androgens can contribute to hair loss in women. In certain cases where minoxidil does not affect a patient, doctors may prescribe drugs such as Spironolactone which has anti-androgen properties instead or together with the former.
Hair Transplants
If the above options still prove to be ineffective, one can opt for a hair transplant. A hair transplant is a good option for ladies who are losing their hair. This medical process involves taking healthy hair follicles from other sections of the scalp which are then reinserted into areas of the scalp that are thinning. It is a long-lasting treatment that looks natural.
In Summary
Menopause, a natural aging process, can cause severe symptoms like hair loss, with FPHL being prevalent in 52.2% of women aged 45-55, influenced by hormonal fluctuations and aging, affecting hair follicles. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and diet can also contribute to FPHL.
To address hair loss, healthcare professionals may prescribe Minoxidil, ferrous sulfate, or anti-androgens. If these treatments are ineffective, hair transplants can be a viable option. Hair transplants involve reintroducing healthy hair follicles from other sections of the scalp into thinning areas, providing a long-lasting and natural solution. However, there is no surefire way to prevent postmenopausal hair loss due to various factors.
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Disclaimer
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