The Menopause
Menopause and hair loss – what you need to know
Struggling with hair loss during menopause? Hair loss (also known as androgenic alopecia) is a common part of the ageing process in both men and women.
Hair isn’t biologically essential and in the majority of cases, thinning shouldn’t be cause for any major health concern. But the psychological impacts can be significant. Research shows that those with hair loss have higher levels of anxiety and depression. They also experience grief, lower self-esteem, poorer quality of life and poorer body image.
But all is not lost! While one study has shown that 55% of women experiencing hair-loss displayed symptoms of depression, of that same group 89% experienced significant improvements in these symptoms following treatment. Read on to discover about menopause and hair loss and what we can do to tackle both the physical and emotional symptoms.
What causes hair loss?
Unfortunately, androgenetic alopecia is a largely genetic condition. Those genetically predisposed to hair loss have higher levels of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone in the body into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, in turn, causes the hair follicles to shrink with each growth cycle, resulting in progressively thinner hair and – in some cases – balding.
The reason that women experience increased hair loss and thinning during the menopause is because of the dip in estrogen levels. Estrogen is thought to play a protective role, preventing the conversion of testosterone into the follicle-shrinking DHT.
Stress can also make matters worse. Researchers think that this may be another reason why menopausal women are more likely to experience hair loss; they’re also more likely to experience external stress factors such as the death of a parent.
How can we recognise androgenic alopecia?
Female androgenic alopecia is characterised by a diffused thinning of hair over the crown of the head. Women might notice a widening of their natural hair parting or a less full ponytail. However, if hair-loss more closely resembles male-pattern balding (a receding hair line, for example), this might be a sign of a different hormonal condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, acne, excessive facial hair growth and irregular periods.
Poor diet and iron-deficiency can also result in hair loss. The NHS advises consulting a GP if you have sudden hair loss, develop bald patches, lose hair in clumps or experience itching or burning sensations on the scalp.
How can we treat hair loss?
HRT
As estrogen can help to protect hair follicles from shrinking, one obvious and effective treatment is to add estrogen back into the body. GPs can prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of body-identical estrogen patches or gel. Both are derived from the wild yam plant and are considered safer than older pill forms of HRT as they are transdermal, so do not go through the liver.
Diet
Eating foods rich in phytoestrogens (flax seeds, soya milk and tofu, for example) can also help boost estrogen levels. Eat these foods daily and in significant quantities (ie. at each mealtime) to have a meaningful impact.
Supplements can help to promote the growth of stronger hair, too. Liz is a fan of Youth & Earth’s Spermidine supplement for helping to support cell renewal, which can help hair to grow stronger. Use the code LIZLOVES to save 20%.
Minoxidil
Applying 2% or 5% minoxidil solution daily may help to slow down the progression of hair loss and partially restore hair growth in some women. When applied to the scalp, minoxidil works by increasing blood supply to the area, bolstering the follicles with the nutrients they need to prevent shrinking. The treatment can be purchased over-the-counter and must be used for six months for any visible results. It’s important to note that minoxidil only works for as long as it is used. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of success.
Hair transplant
A more invasive but highly effective treatment, hair transplants work by extracting tiny hair follicles and transplanting them into the affected areas. The treatments are expensive but have high success rates and produce natural-looking – and permanent – results.
Cosmetics
Minoxidil is currently the only ingredient that has been clinically approved for the treatment of hair loss. Scalp cosmetics, however, can help to give the illusion of fuller thicker hair – particularly at the parting and hair line. Colour Wow’s Root Cover Up is an effective and water-resistant option.
Volume sprays can help to give hair an additional boost. We love Michael Van Clarke’s Thicker Quicker Volume Spray for giving hair instant body and bounce – use LIZLOVES to save 15% off your order.
Plus, giving your scalp a treat can help hair to grow back stronger. Try Percy & Reed’s Scalp Concentrate to help rejuvenate weak and brittle hair. Use LIZLOVES to save 20% off your order.
Wigs and head coverings
If hair loss is extensive, you may find that a wig or head covering can give a life-changing confidence boost. Wigs are widely available on the high street, online and from the NHS – Alopecia UK has a thorough and informative guide here. Be aware of the latest concerns regarding the use of human hair and its link to modern slavery and trafficking. Leading hairdresser and wig maker Denise McAdam now only works with synthetic hair for this reason.
Get support
One study found that the four most common reactions to hair loss are: not prepared, shocked, embarrassed and a loss of sense of self. Many women benefit from joining a support group, speaking to a loved one or going to see a counsellor during this time.
