Hair Loss and Menopause

Women with menopause are prime candidates for hair loss. Statistics show that about 50 percent of women experience some hair loss while going through menopause, and about 66 percent worry about thinning hair or bald spots during post-menopausal stages. This is a natural stage in a woman?s life that starts between the age of 30 and 70 but typically starts during the mid 40s or mid 50s. Symptoms of menopause usually manifest themselves about three months after a woman enters the stage.

The exact cause of hair loss in women is not clear to medical researchers, but they have linked it closely to the reduced production of female hormones, estrogen, which leads to androgenetic alopecia. A woman also naturally produces testosterone, which is the male hormone. But before she enters menopause, the level of testosterone produced by the body is kept in check by estrogen. As she enters menopause, the higher level of testosterone combines with an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase. The combination of these two substances creates dihydrotestosterone or DHT. When DHT reaches the hair follicles, the woman starts to experience hair loss.

Anemia, thyroid disorders, fungal infections, and stress can also cause hair loss in a woman who is in menopause.

Estrogenic treatments, such as soy isoflavones or hormone replacement therapies can be taken in an attempt to remedy the problem. Just as the symptoms take 3 months to show any manifestation, treatments would need to be taken for about 3 months to determine if it is working or not.

Though it may not seem evident, women may experience hair loss just as much as men, but the effects are not the same. It is very rare for a woman to have bald spots; hair loss usually produces a thinning effect, which makes styling very challenging.

How a woman reacts to hair loss differs from one to another. It may cause her to feel less feminine, which can lead to depression and, in severe cases, anxiety. If conditions lead to deterioration in quality of life, it is recommended that professional assistance is sought to address the problem.

Some tips for women experiencing hair loss: cut the hair in short layers as this adds more fullness and body; use soft brushes instead of combs; using mousse or gel instead of hair spray can add body to the hair without harming it.