Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While this stage brings several physiological changes, one of the lesser-discussed yet distressing effects is hair loss.
Studies indicate that over 50% of postmenopausal women find that their hair becomes thinner, sheds more easily, or loses its former volume and texture. Understanding why this happens and what can be done to manage it is essential for maintaining both confidence and well-being.
How Menopause Affects Hair
The primary driver of menopausal hair loss is hormonal fluctuation. During menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly. These hormones are crucial in promoting hair growth and keeping follicles in the growth phase for longer. As their levels decline, hair growth slows, and strands become finer and more prone to shedding.
At the same time, male hormones (androgens), including dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can become more dominant. DHT shrinks hair follicles, leading to increased hair thinning, particularly around the crown and along the parting. This condition is known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a common but often overlooked consequence of menopause.
Signs and Symptoms of Menopausal Hair Loss
Menopausal hair loss differs from other types of female hair loss, such as alopecia areata or telogen effluvium. Understanding these distinctions can help in identifying the best treatment approach:
- Menopausal Hair Loss: Gradual thinning, particularly around the crown and widening of the parting, with increased shedding over time.
- Telogen Effluvium: Sudden, excessive hair shedding triggered by stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies, usually temporary.
- Alopecia Areata: Patchy, sudden hair loss caused by an autoimmune response.
- Traction Alopecia: Hair thinning due to prolonged tension from tight hairstyles.
- Thyroid-related Hair Loss: Diffuse hair thinning often accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or dry skin.
If hair loss is accompanied by additional symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, or skin changes, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions.
Managing Hair Loss During Menopause
1. Hormone Therapy and Medications
For women experiencing significant hair loss, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be an option, as it helps balance oestrogen levels and can potentially slow hair thinning. HRT is a prescription medicine and requires you to see your doctor.
2. Compounded Medications
One of the most effective treatments for menopausal hair loss is compounded medication. Unlike mass-produced pharmaceuticals, compounded medications are tailored to a woman’s specific needs.
Treatments are targeted towards addressing hormonal imbalances and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Advantages of Compounded Medications for FPHL:
- Tailored Formulations: Dosages and combinations can be customised based on patient-specific needs and tolerability.
- Combination Therapies: Ability to combine multiple active ingredients in a single formulation for enhanced effectiveness and convenience.
- Minimised Side Effects: Custom dosing helps reduce unwanted systemic effects.
- Alternative Delivery Methods: Options include topical, oral, or sublingual formulations.
3. Nutrition and Supplements:
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support hair health. Key nutrients include:
- Biotin and Vitamin B Complex: Essential for hair strength and growth
- Iron and Zinc: Deficiencies in these minerals can contribute to hair thinning
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, nuts, and seeds, these promote scalp health
- Collagen and Protein: Essential building blocks for hair structure
Supplementing with hair-specific vitamins may also help maintain stronger, healthier strands.
4. Seeking Professional Advice
If hair loss becomes severe or distressing, consulting a doctor can help identify underlying causes and appropriate treatments. In some cases, underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies may contribute to hair loss and require medical intervention.
Embracing Change with Confidence
While menopausal hair loss can be challenging, it is manageable with the right approach. A healthy lifestyle and targeted treatments can help minimise thinning and promote stronger, healthier hair.
At Harley Health, we specialise in compounding personalised hair loss treatments, ensuring a targeted approach to menopausal hair thinning. By customising treatment plans, we help women achieve the most effective outcome.
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