Menopause is a natural phase of life that all people who menstruate go through, but the symptoms each individual experiences can vary widely. Symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, insomnia and irregular periods are some of the most well-known symptoms, but there and a number of other symptoms perimenopausal and menopausal women experience that can seemingly be unrelated to menopause. One of these symptom is hair thinning. It's quite a common thing lots of people experience, and in this article, we will go through the causes of menopausal hair loss and options for treatment.

Understanding the basics

Hair loss during menopause often comes along with terms like "female pattern hair loss" and "androgenetic alopecia." These phrases are just ways of describing a type of hair loss that many of us experience as our bodies go through hormonal changes but are nothing to be afraid of. The loss of sex hormones, that once brought about puberty and hair growth, are now affecting the hair follicles and their growth patterns, and contributing to hair thinning. 

To understand hair thinning, it's important to understand how hair growth works

Hair goes through different phases, including the growth phase (anagen phase), resting phase (telogen phase), and shedding phase (exogen phase). During menopause, hormonal changes can disrupt this cycle, causing the growth phase to shorten and the shedding phase to lengthen. This results in fewer hair follicles and gradual hair thinning causing a change in hair density. Changes in hair growth cycles can also affect hair texture. Some postmenopausal women who had straight hair their whole life might start to get wavy or curly hair!

Our hormone levels, particularly oestrogen levels and androgen levels, play an important role in maintaining hair health

The hormonal fluctuations during menopause can impact the quality of our hair. Oestrogen, the hormone responsible for shiny and thicker hair, tends to decrease, while androgen levels might become more dominant. This shift can lead to weakened and brittle hair strands, making them more prone to breakage.

There are plenty of ways to navigate these changes and promote healthy hair during menopause:

1. Balanced diet: Nourish your hair by eating a healthy diet with foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Incorporate foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and dairy products which all support healthy hair growth.
2. Stress management: Chronic emotional stress can exacerbate hair thinning, so try to keep stress levels low where possible. Consider relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or even a calming walk in nature. Remember, long-term stress reduction requires long-term changes in habits, there is no quick fix. 
3. Hair care habits: Be gentle with your hair. Avoid harsh chemicals, excessive heat, and tight hairstyles that could contribute to hair breakage and thinning.
4. Consult a professional: If you're worried about menopausal hair loss, speak with a nurse, doctor or a hair stylist who specialises in hair loss. They can guide you on the right treatment options and advise you on the best way to look after your hair.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for menopausal-related hair loss, but there are options to explore:

1. Topical Treatments: Hair loss shampoos, conditioners, and serums formulated with certain ingredients can help promote a healthier scalp environment. Some of them work by increasing blood flow to the hair root which slows down hair shedding, and others work by strengthening the hair shaft to reduce breakage. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist about what the best treatment for you is. 
2. Nutritional Supplements: Some women with hair loss find supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, vitamin B7 and vitamin C, can help reduce the symptoms and encourage healthier hair growth. An iron deficiency (low iron levels) can also contribute to hair thinning and loss. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
3. Medical Interventions: For more severe cases, medical treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or anti-androgen medications might be recommended. HRT works by replacing the lost oestrogen levels due to menopause thereby preventing menopause-related hair loss. Your doctor can guide you on whether these medications are suitable for you and prescribe them if needed. 

There are different causes and types of hair loss that menopausal and postmenopausal women might experience and they are not always due to hormonal changes. If you are noticing hair loss, you should consult with a doctor so they can determine the correct hair loss treatment for you and identify any underlying causes. 

Hair thinning is a common occurrence during menopause and doesn't define your beauty or worth. It's a natural part of the journey, and you're not alone in experiencing it. If you have any questions about hormonal hair loss or other menopause symptoms, speak to your GP or your Fertifa Patient Advisor. We are always here to help 💜