Menopause is a powerful time of change in a woman’s life, and several factors can contribute to hair loss. Stress, changes in diet and lifestyle, and hormonal changes are vital in determining whether a woman experiences hair loss during menopause. 

Our culture places a high value on hair, and many women find that their self-esteem and identity are connected to their hair. There is no need to worry. Menopause is a natural part of aging and does not necessarily result in thinning hair. 

What Causes Hair Loss During and After Menopause?

According to NBC news, about 50% of women experience thinning hair as they age. Some of that hair loss is due to the natural aging process of the hair follicles. Each strand of hair has a life cycle of between two and seven years, but as we age, those follicles change shape and become smaller. The life cycle of the hair gets shorter, and new hair regrowth becomes slower. Changes in hormones during menopause can be the most significant contributing factor to hair loss as women age. The Mayo Clinic reports that estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause, and this can cause a woman’s hair to grow more slowly. It can also cause individual strands to become thinner. As those hormone levels drop, another group of hormones, androgens, begin to rise. Androgens are associated with male characteristics and are known to cause hair loss by causing individual hair follicles to shrink.

Stress also has a significant effect on hair health, and menopause can be a time of many changes. Forbes magazine discusses the role that telogen effluvium plays in causing stress-related hair loss. Telogen effluvium occurs when stress is experienced for an extended time, and many hair follicles are forced into a resting phase. During that resting phase, hair can fall out with even the lightest brushing. Fortunately, those hairs can grow back with reduced stress and attention to overall health.

What Can You Do to Prevent Hair Loss During Menopause?

There are many things you can do to reduce the chances of hair loss during menopause. Keeping a healthy hair care routine as you age is an important factor that you can control. Your shampoo and conditioner should be designed to clean the scalp gently and moisturize the hair follicles. 

Talk to your healthcare team about hormone supplements and vitamin and mineral supplements that can boost the health of your hair by reducing the effects of deficiencies caused by menopause.

Reduce the stress in your life as much as possible and take extra care with your diet, exercise, hydration, and nutrition. Optimizing your overall health is the way to give your hair the best chance possible of staying as thick and luxurious as possible.

If you’re dealing with hair loss, New-U can help. To schedule a free consultation, click here.

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