Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Did you know that women can experience sudden hair loss when approaching menopause? As many as 40% of women will have to deal with this condition. While there are actually many causes for female hair loss, menopause is the time most women are affected.

Changes in hormonal levels are the reason for increased hair loss and thinning hair in women during the time of menopause. In fact, hair loss can be one of the first signs that a woman is experiencing menopause. In part, it is caused by a drop in estrogen levels produced by the ovaries, creating an imbalance between androgen (male hormones) and estrogen hormones. For men, testosterone is the hormone commonly associated with causing male pattern hair loss. In women this is produced in much lower quantities but creates a similar hair loss condition. This process started by testosterone combining with an enzyme called Alpha5 reductase to create a substance called DHT. The DHT is responsible for the hair loss. After menopause, the ovaries may continue to produce even more androgens than estrogen and this can result in further hair loss. It doesn’t just affect hair on the scalp but body hair can also become thinner, just the opposite of men who tend to get more body hair as scalp hair thins. Some women experience no menopausal hair loss or excessive thinning, and reasons for this are not fully understood.

Many women are prescribed hormone replacement treatment (HRT) to counter some of the more severe symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, lack of sleep, mood swings and sensitive skin. HRT works by increasing the levels of estrogen to pre-menopausal levels. HRT can also be an effective hair loss treatment but is not without side effects. This is something you should discuss with your doctor.

There are a number of non-drug based alternatives that can be used to slow down menopausal hair loss. Something as simple as gently massaging the scalp when shampooing to increase blood flow to the hair roots. Use quality products containing natural ingredients. And, as we’ve discussed many times, it’s important to eat a well balanced diet as healthy hair requires the minimum daily intake of the right minerals and vitamins. Try to eat plenty of fish, liver, dairy products, eggs, poultry, meat, etc, for vitamin A, vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Be sure to eat leafy vegetables, orange juice and avocados. Broccoli and beets are a good source of folic acid which is important for hair health.

If you find you are loosing hair as you go through menopause, you may want to keep your hair short to help prevent any breakage. Ask your stylist to layer it to give you the appearance of more volume. Try to avoid damaging your hair with hot dryers and heated hair straighteners. And, avoid bleaching if possible.

If you need help with your thinning hair call for a consultation with one of the Hair Replacement Specialists at Fantasia, they would love to work with you.