Women know to expect certain symptoms during menopause. Hot flashes and mood swings are just two of the most common ones. Did you know that hair loss can also be an effect of menopause? It can—and while not every woman will experience it, it’s certainly something to be aware of, and be prepared for.
But what exactly causes hair loss during menopause? Is the hair loss permanent? And can anything be done to prevent it?
Hair Loss During Menopause: What to Expect
We’ll start with some basics. Hair loss impacts somewhere around 40 percent of all women who are going through menopause. That may seem like a high percentage to you—and if it’s true, then why is it that we don’t see a lot more bald women walking around? The answer is because menopausal hair loss tends to be more limited in its scope; women may experience some thinning around their scalp, but seldom does it become full-on baldness.
The cause of menopausal hair loss is hormonal. Remember that hair growth follows a natural cycle—one that is characterized by growth periods, then rest periods, when natural and normal shedding happens. This cycle is regulated by hormones. So, during pregnancy, when female hormones are more abundant, the rest period becomes less frequent, causing hair to appear even longer and fuller. And, during menopause, as female hormones decrease and testosterone increases, the opposite happens: The cycle is thrown off and hair growth tapers off.
Again, hair loss isn’t something that all women experience during menopause, and that’s because there are other factors in play besides hormones—like genetics, and even nutrition. Hopefully, you won’t experience hair loss during menopause. It’s something to be aware of, though—and if you start to notice thinning hair, start a treatment for it right away.
Treatment for Hair Loss
With the right treatment, menopausal hair loss doesn’t have to be complete or permanent—and there are a number of effective treatments available. Depending on the scope of your hair loss, topical hair solutions and laser hair therapy might be good options. For women whose hair loss is extreme, hair replacement is also possible through hair systems or even through hair transplantation.
Learn more about the options that are available to you, and about the steps you can take to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Reach out to Mane Image, or just come by for a consultation.
