Hair Loss

Hair loss is one of the many menopause symptoms that a woman will experience. Although there are other factors such as medication, diet, infection and certain medical conditions that can contribute to hair loss, losing hair is generally associated with aging, i.e. as in menopause. Compared to men, it is different in women as they may never have bald spots and if they do, it does not have a receding hairline like in men. Instead, the hair just gradually thins all over their heads. As with many other menopause symptoms, the cause of hair loss is due to the changes in hormone production.

During younger days, women produce high amounts of estrogen. One of its functions is as a protective barrier from another hormone that she produces, that is testosterone. However, the estrogen production slows down during menopause. As a result, the testosterone will combine with alpha reductase along with another enzyme to create a chemical called DHT. This chemical is believed to be causing hair loss in women. Combined with other menopause symptoms, it can lead to depression and anxiety as her self image is affected.

Many products in the market are targeted to men but there are few products specially for women. Before your resort to any treatment, you can try the following tips:

• Cut your hair in short layers to add the fullness and body

Don’t use normal combs

• Use soft bristled brush to avoid additional hair loss

• Avoid using hair spray. Use mousse or soft gel for styling

• Try switching shampoos once a month to find the best suited for you

• Use wigs (you can have any style that you want)

• Wear a hat. It will also protect your hair from the sun

Soy isoflavones that have estrogen like effects may also help arrest hair loss in some women. In most cases, the loss is permanent but there are few that manage to restore their hair once the hormones are balanced. If you are smoking, it is best to stop as it can cost your hair. Taking supplements such as flaxseed oil or evening primrose oil may also minimize the loss. Try not to subject your hair to harsh conditions such as heat (from rollers, dryers) and chemicals.

Hair growth is dependent to the supply of nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. As such, a way to promote hair growth is by ensuring a constant supply of these nutrients to make up keratin that forms hairs. There are natural treatment solutions that can nourish your hair roots and facilitating nutrient rich blood streams to the hair follicles to help you manage your hair loss. Most of the natural treatment uses a combination of herbal ingredients to not only improve circulation and hormone levels but also help your thyroid functions to promote hair growth.

Pay your doctor a visit to discuss possible solutions to your hair loss. It is important that you know the real cause of the problem to better choose the best treatment for yourself.