Blog post hair loss
Advice for perimenopausal and menopausal hair loss.
We get asked all of the time about different types of hair loss and so today we thought we would start our blog with some helpful insights into this very distressing topic.
Hair loss can be a distressing experience for women at any age, but it can be particularly challenging during perimenopause and menopause. Female hair loss during this time is a common issue that can have a significant impact on self-esteem and confidence.
Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, and it usually begins in a woman’s late 30s or early 40s. Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, and the average age of menopause is around 51 years old.
During perimenopause and menopause, a woman’s body experiences many hormonal changes, which can result in a range of physical and emotional symptoms. One of these symptoms is hair loss, which can affect up to 50% of women during this time.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of hair loss during perimenopause and menopause, as well as some effective treatment options.
Causes of Hair Loss during Perimenopause and Menopause
The most common cause of hair loss during perimenopause and menopause is hormonal changes. As women approach menopause, their bodies produce less estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a decrease in hair growth and an increase in hair shedding.
Additionally, the decrease in estrogen can lead to an increase in androgen levels. Androgens are male hormones that are also present in women, and when they are elevated, they can lead to hair loss in women.
Other factors that can contribute to hair loss during perimenopause and menopause include:
Stress: High levels of stress can lead to hair loss by causing hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely.
Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 can lead to hair loss.
Thyroid disorders: Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss.
Genetics: A family history of hair loss can increase a woman’s risk of experiencing hair loss during perimenopause and menopause.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss during Perimenopause and Menopause
There are several treatment options available for women experiencing hair loss during perimenopause and menopause. These include:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT can help to balance hormone levels and reduce the risk of hair loss. However, it is important to note that HRT is not suitable for all women and may have some side effects.
Topical treatments: There are several topical treatments available that can help to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. These include minoxidil and topical corticosteroids.
Nutritional supplements: Nutritional supplements such as biotin, iron, and vitamin D can help to improve hair health and reduce hair loss.
Hair transplantation: For women with significant hair loss, hair transplantation may be an effective option.
Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can help to improve overall hair health.
Preventing Hair Loss during Perimenopause and Menopause
While hair loss during perimenopause and menopause may be difficult to prevent entirely, there are several steps women can take to reduce their risk of hair loss. These include:
Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help to improve hair health and reduce the risk of hair loss.
Reducing stress: Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation can help to reduce the risk of hair loss.
Getting regular exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of hair loss.
Avoiding harsh hair treatments: Certain chemical treatments such as perms and relaxers can damage hair and lead to hair loss.
Always ask the stylists for advice.
Using gentle hair care products: Using gentle hair care products such as sulfate-free shampoos.
In the salon we have many such shampoos such as Moroccanoil, Olaplex and IQ which are all sulphate free.
