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The transition to menopause brings many physical changes for women, of which hair loss is one of the more noticeable and stressful. This phenomenon can largely be attributed to hormonal changes, especially the reduction of estrogen, which plays a crucial role in the health and growth of hair.
Causes of hair loss:
- Hormonal changes: Decreased production of estrogen affects the hair growth cycle, leading to thinner hair and increased hair loss.
- Stress: Can exacerbate hair loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients that affect the quality and growth of hair.
- Genetic factors: Heredity plays a role in how you are affected by hair loss during these years.
Measures to reduce hair loss:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Can help reduce hair loss for many women by stabilizing hormone levels.
- Medical treatments: Medications can improve hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
- Balanced diet: A diet rich in protein, iron, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids is important for hair health.
- Consultation with a doctor: Important for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
Remember that every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Guidance from a doctor is crucial to find the best solution for your hair loss problem.
Women on social media share their symptoms around menopause and support and advise each other. One of all these troublesome and bothersome symptoms is severe hair loss, resulting in stress and decreased well-being for those affected. The question many ask is "why am I losing so much hair?" and "what can I do about my hair loss?".
Why do we lose hair during menopause and perimenopause?
During perimenopause and menopause, women undergo hormonal changes, especially a decrease in estrogen production. These hormonal changes can affect the hair growth cycle. Normally, hair goes through three phases: growth phase, transitional phase, and resting phase. Estrogen helps to extend the growth phase and delay the transitional phase, resulting in thicker, healthier hair.
As estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, the growth phase shortens and the transitional phase and resting phase extend. This can result in thinner hair and more prone to fall out, leading to increased hair loss. Other factors that can contribute to hair loss during this time include stress, nutritional deficiency and genetic factors.
It is important to note that while hair loss is common during perimenopause and menopause, other factors can also play a role, and it is always best to consult a doctor for a clinical assessment, accurate diagnosis, and possible treatment.
What can I do to reduce my hair loss?
There are various methods to manage and reduce hair loss. Many women seem to experience less hair loss during HRT (hormone replacement therapy) treatment than they did before the treatment.
Other methods that have proven effective in reducing hair loss include different medical treatments that include drugs which can help improve hair growth and prevent further hair loss. A balanced diet with nutrients important for hair health can help reduce hair loss. Examples of nutrients important for hair include protein, iron, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Here you can read more about tips for hair loss.
