We all know women experience unpleasant symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings during the menopause, but did you know it causes hair loss as well? Whilst menopause is a natural cycle all women will experience, it can be every more traumatic with the onset of hair loss.
Discover what to expect as well as the steps you can take to look after your locks during menopause.
So, a big question – when does the menopause occur?
The menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It happens around your early 50s and is a normal part of aging. For women undergoing menopause, the process is gradual and split into three stages:
Perimenopause - the “menopause transition”, which can begin 8-10 years before the menopause, as the body produces less and less oestrogen. This usually starts in a woman’s 40s but can begin as early as your 30s.
Menopause - the point when a woman naturally no longer has menstrual periods, diagnosed after 12 consecutive months with no period.
Post menopause - the rest of your life after the menopause.
How does menopause affect your hair?
Most women find their hair loses volume and length around the menopause. This is because your hair’s growth cycle is affected by hormones, which changes dramatically during the menopause.
The hormones oestrogen and progesterone that control a woman’s reproductive cycle also help hair grow faster.
Oestrogen in particular helps to keep your hair in the anagen (growth) phase of its life cycle, so it stays on your head for longer.
As the menopause causes oestrogen and progesterone levels to drop, it leads to hair loss.
Hair also grows more slowly, becomes much thinner and is more prone to breakages.
The menopause prompts an increase in androgens, or a group of male hormones, which shrinks hair follicles and causes further hair loss.
What are the signs of menopausal hair thinning?
Women usually experience hair thinning all over their head rather than noticeable bald spots.
Whilst gradual, hair may fall out in large clumps during brushing and showering.
On average, women can expect hair thinning to be most noticeable as the menopause begins around the age of 50.
Depending on how soon the perimenopause starts, changes may begin much earlier. You may notice…
Your hair is not growing as long as it used to
Your parting is wider
Your scalp is more visible around the crown of your head
A recession at your temples and a loss of density at your frontal hairline
A reduction in the thickness of each strand
Menopause hair loss prevention
Reduce stress
High levels of stress caused by hormonal changes can lead to increased hair loss during the menopause.
Mind-body activities such as yoga and breathing exercises can help reduce stress and maintain your overall well-being.
Exercise
Keeping your body moving is an important part of a healthy lifestyle that will help you to stay stronger and happier.
Exercise can also prevent some of the negative effects of the menopause such as stress, weight gain and insomnia.
Get the right nutrients
Eating a balanced, low-fat diet, rich in the right vitamins, is vital for preventing hair loss through the menopause.
Make sure you include an adequate number of whole grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables in every meal.
Essential fatty acids found in foods like salmon, tuna, walnuts, and almonds also play a crucial role in maintaining hair health.
B complex vitamins are very important for our hair health. In particular, biotin strengthens and thickens your hair by boosting the flow of blood to the scalp and supporting hair follicles.
Our Biotin Hair Care Plan has been expertly formulated to increase hair follicle thickness and to target the scalp to support healthy hair growth. Supplementing your diet with the Biotin Hair Care Plan can help you pre and post menopause. Try our Biotin Hair Care Plan today with 25% off by using LoveHair 25 at the checkout (on full sized products only).
Go for natural styling
To reduce risk of dryness and breakages, it is best to steer clear of heat treatments such as straightening, curling and excessive hair drying.
Remember, the menopause is a normal part of aging and as our bodies change, so will our hair.
How to Feel Better with Menopause
Find out more about how to combat the symptoms of menopause and how you can get back to feeling yourself. Watch our video with Skincare Expert, Alexandra as she talks to Founder of HIIT Pilates, Sarah about her struggles with menopause and menopausal hair loss and what she did to feel better.
Simone Thomas Wellness offer a wide range of supplements to help combat symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. For more information on finding the right supplement for menopausal hair loss.