Menopause and hair loss go hand in hand for many women. Studies show that more than 50% of all women experience some degree of menopause-related hair thinning or loss.
Menopause is by definition when a woman has not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months. However, the hormonal drops that cause hair loss can begin years before menopause (perimenopause) and can continue after the change is complete (post menopause).
Here is an overview of menopause and hair loss, the hormones that can cause hair to fall out and how to combat menopausal hair loss.
Symptoms of Menopausal Hair Loss
Hair loss from menopause may not be obvious at first as our body naturally loses hair (on average 50-100 strands per day, however this is normally replaced by new hair growth).
During perimenopause, hair shedding starts to ramp up losing more hair than can be developed. The first signs of menopause-related hair loss are subtle:
- You need to clean your hairbrush more frequently as there is more hair after brushing your hair.
- More hair collects in the shower drain.
- Your hair becomes brittle and thinner
- You find more hair around the house (on the floor, clothing, bedding), or in your car than before.
- Hair breakage becomes more common.
As hair loss occurs slowly, it can take time for the changes to be noticeable. Your part may start to widen, your hair style might look thinner, and your hair can take on a flatter, lack-lustre appearance.
After a period of time, you may start to notice thinning patches in the top centre of the scalp and or near the hairline. Thin patches can also appear on the back of the head, near the crown, or near your neck.
Menopause-related hair loss can occur in other parts of the body as well like legs, arms, and armpits. Even your eyelashes and eyebrows may begin to thin during menopause.
Causes of Menopausal Hair Loss
Menopause is related to the hormonal fluctuations of the body during this next stage of life. Menopause-related hair loss can occur during the three stages of menopause:
- Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. This is when hormone levels begin to fluctuate. It can last up to 10 years and usually begins during your 40s.
- Menopause officially occurs after 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age of menopause is between 50 and 60 but can occur sooner or later.
- Post-Menopause begins once menopause is officially defined and continues onwards.
Estrogen and Progesterone (female hormones) levels begin to decline during perimenopause. These hormones play a role in promoting hair growth, density, and fullness. When these hormones decline, thinner hair that does not grow as quickly develops.
This decrease in progesterone and estrogen also causes an increase in Male hormone (androgens) levels that are normally found in women in smaller amounts than in men. Androgens can cause the hair follicles on the head to shrink, resulting in hair loss known as androgenic alopecia.
Treatments for menopausal hair loss may include lifestyle modifications, medications, and professional treatments.
Rogaine (minoxidil), an over-the-counter topical hair-loss treatment for male pattern baldness, may also assist women with androgen-related hair loss. Research shows topical Minoxidil treatments can promote hair regrowth in women with female-pattern baldness, which can happen during menopause.
The most common side effects of topical minoxidil include itching, dryness, flaking, or burning sensation on the scalp. Women who are pregnant should not use topical minoxidil.
The use of minoxidil often results in the development of thinner brittle hair growth that stops when ceased. The use of HSB Labs hair loss treatment with Minoxidil will encourage the development of thicker, healthier and stronger hair through its targeted approach to the delivery of essential nutrients and boosters for hair and scalp health.
Prescriptions medications for hair loss
Oral medications that may be prescribed by your doctor for hair loss in women include Minoxidil, Finasteride and Spironolactone. In some cases, these are prescribed in combination.
Finasteride, is commonly prescribed for male pattern baldness. Some research has shown that finasteride can assist some women who experience hair loss.
Spironolactone, is a drug used to treat acne that may be effective for menopausal hair loss. Research has shown that Spironolactone can prevent further hair loss and improve the quality and thickness of hair for women with female pattern baldness.
Finasteride and spironolactone should not be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Both drugs alter hormone levels and can cause birth defects or miscarriage.
The use of HSB Labs hair loss treatment with these hair loss treatments have been shown to produce quicker results and encourage the development of thicker, healthier and stronger hair by directly tackling the root causes of hair loss.
Hair Transplant
If menopausal hair loss is severe, a hair transplant may help. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair from one part of your body (commonly the back of the head) into bald spots or patches.
It can take up to a year to see the full results from hair grafting.
Reduce Stress
The hormonal changes from menopause can result in a rise in stress levels. Stress has been found to be a common cause or factor of hair loss.
Regular exercise can help reduce stress. Low impact exercises like walking, cycling, dancing, and hiking are a great option to reduce stress levels. Exercise is of great benefit in the management of menopausal symptoms. Exercise improves sleep quality, boosts brain function, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
HSB Labs hair treatment program contains Kangaroo Apple Extract (an innovative indigenous fruit extract) that has been used for decades to assist with treating hair loss by reducing the stress levels in the scalp and assisting in healthy hair growth.
Diet plays a vital role in hormonal balance. Eating a well-balanced diet that is high in nutrients can aid in the reduction of hair loss. Research has indicated that women who experience hair loss during menopause may not be getting all the nutrients required.
Some specific nutrients you should be looking for are:
- Protein: Protein or Collagen Amino Acids can strengthen hair and hair follicles, thus reducing hair loss.
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, B, C, and D all play a role in hair health. Getting enough of these nutrients is vital to help with hair loss caused by menopause.
- Minerals: Zinc, iron, copper, selenium, calcium, and magnesium are all important for proper hair growth.
HSB Labs grow shampoo and boost conditioner for hair loss is packed with specific botanical extracts, vitamins and nutrients and boosters to cleanse and nourish your scalp and hair from the hair follicles.
Gentle Hair Care
You can slow down hair loss by treating your hair with care:
- Avoid pulling hair into tight braids, buns, or ponytails.
- Avoid twisting or pulling your hair.
- Use a wide-toothed comb versus harsher brushes when loosening knots.
Changing up your routine slightly may help you from pulling out hair before it would otherwise naturally fall out.
Don’t wait. The sooner you address the symptoms of hair loss with HSB Labs scalp and haircare products, the more likely you are to prevent irreversible results and see hair growth return faster.
HSB labs has designed and developed a treatment plan that can be used with the above options to help grow thicker, fuller, healthier hair using a blend of natural ingredients, botanical extracts, vitamins and minerals and hair follicle boosters (hair messengers) based off scientific evidence to form a dedicated hair growth and beauty strategy. Using our HSB Labs products on a daily or as a part of your regular hair routine will help revitalise, strengthen, volumise, boost and protect your hair during your hair growth journey.
HSB Labs scalp and haircare products provides a holistic targeted approach to hair growth at every phase of the hair growth cycle providing you with thicker, fuller, healthier, stronger hair.
Losing your hair can be a difficult and upsetting experience. Many people see their hair as an extension of themselves and their personality.
“Inner beauty is great, but fabulous healthy hair never hurts!”