Menopause And Losing Your Hair

There are so many symptoms that women experience during menopause. It can be hard to keep up between the insomnia, the lack of ability to concentrate, and the hot flashes.

There are physical changes, too. Most women gain about ten pounds during the menopause year. Moreover, most of the weight redistributes itself, making the woman feel fatter than she is. Some women experience an explosion of acne during this time, creating the dread of looking in the mirror each morning, much the same feeling they had as teenagers.

At least fifty percent of women experience the ultimate physical symptom of menopause, hair loss. While it happens to most, more than two thirds of post-menopausal women end up with bald spots as a result of the hair loss.  

During menopause, the hormone production slows to a gradual trickle. Before menopause, women produce high amounts of estrogen. The estrogen acts as a protective barrier from the testosterone that women also produce. As menopause occurs, though, that estrogen is no longer there. As a result, the testosterone can combine with alpha reductase along with another bodily enzyme to create a chemical called DHT. DHT has been proven in scientific studies to cause female hair loss and female pattern baldness. The hair loss in women is quite common, but it doesn't occur in the same way that hair loss in men might happen. For men, whole spots of their hair will go bald. It is not uncommon to see men with hair only on the sides of their heads. Some men have a hair line that slowly recedes back. For women, though, things work quite differently. Women almost never have bald spots. Their hair line doesn't gradually recede in the fading sunset. The hair just gradually thins all over their heads. For women in a society that places so much value on style and appearance, this thinned hair can make it hard to find the right hair style. More than anything, though, it can make women feel as if they are not the woman they should be. It an lead to depression and anxiety on a large scale because women with thinned hair do not have the body image they wish to. Most information and treatment options are aimed at men who are experiencing hair loss. There are relatively few products aimed at women who have the same problem. 

If you are experiencing hair loss related to menopause, it is first important to remember that you are not alone. Thousands of women suffer from the same condition. There are a few things you can do about it.

First, try cutting your hair in short layers, this will help to add to the fullness and body of your hair.

By doing this, it will be much more difficult for others to notice your thinning hair. Second, don't use combs in your hair, as they can cause additional hair loss. Use only a soft bristled brush, much like a baby brush. Additionally, you don't want to use products like hair spray, as they can also contribute to hair loss. Both mousse and soft gel can give you the styling power you want without harming the little hair that you happen to have left. You should also try to alternate shampoos frequently. Try switching about once a month. Talk to your doctor for treatment options.

 


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