What you need to know about hair loss during menopause
Menopause is a normal process that happens to all women, typically between 45 and 55 years old.
During this time, our bodies go through many hormonal changes that can lead to the hallmark symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings.
Unfortunately, hair loss is another common symptom of menopause.
Unlike men, women typically experience hair thinning all over the head, rather than bald spots like men.
Hair can fall out in large clumps while brushing or washing.
Not to fear! Today we are going to answer all of your questions and provide some powerful options to reverse hair loss and restore your thick, shiny hair.
We have some great information to share with you that will help you feel empowered and relieved!
Is it normal to lose a lot of hair during menopause?
Yes, it is absolutely normal for women to experience hair loss during menopause.
The amount of hair loss a woman experiences will depend on her:
- genetics
- stress levels
- nutrition
- current medications
- toxic load
- sleep
- other lifestyle factors like drinking and smoking
What causes hair loss during menopause?
Research shows that hair loss during menopause is caused by a hormonal imbalance that results as our estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decline.
Estrogen and progesterone help hair grow faster and remain on the head longer.
So when these hormones drop, we see hair growth slow and hair become thinner.
As estrogen and progesterone decrease, certain androgen hormones begin to increase.
Unfortunately androgens can shrink hair follicles causing hair to appear even thinner.
Androgens also cause the notorious small sprouts of hair on the chin.
In addition to hair loss from hormonal changes, stress, genetics, and nutrient deficiencies can also cause hair loss during menopause.
“About half of all women will have some element of hair loss by the age of 50, and by the age of 60, approximately 80 percent of women will experience some hair loss.
Will hair loss from menopause grow back?
Yes, hair loss can absolutely be reversed!
Hair is among the few tissues that we can actually regenerate at any time throughout our lifetime.
In fact, remember, about 90% of your hair is growing at any one time, you can do a lot to help it out.
Extreme hair loss may require more intensive interventions, or take longer, but there are many things you can do to help your body regrow hair.
If you’re feeling frustrated and worried about hair loss you’ve experienced, fear no longer!
We’ve put together a great list of proven solutions for you! Let’s dive in.
How can I stop hair loss during menopause?
If you’re struggling with hair loss during or after menopause, you are not alone! Research shows over 52% of postmenopausal women experience hair loss.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to stop hair loss and help your body regrow your hair.
Let’s break it down.
Check Your Medications
Considering 90% of people 50 years and older take at least 1 medication, a great first step is to talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking.
Certain medications can lead to hair loss. If you are taking any of the following, it can help to talk to your doctor about whether they could be contributing to your hair loss.
- Medications used to treat hyperthyroidism
- Antidepressants
- Heart medications (blood thinners and beta-blockers)
- Epilepsy medications
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
Build stress relief into your lifestyle
Recent research from Harvard showed that stress actually reduces hair growth.
When we are stressed, our body processes stress hormones that actually prevent the growth of hair.
Stress can come in many different forms – a surprise bill, sitting in traffic, a fight with a loved one, a work presentation.
We can’t always avoid stress, but we can do things to help our bodies be more resilient to stress by helping our bodies relieve stress.
When we allow our bodies to truly relax, we allow them to heal.
Try building one or more of these habits into your day to give your body the relaxation it needs.
Try laying down for 5 minutes and taking slow, deep breaths. You’ll notice an immediate shift in your mental and physical state.
Go on a walk outside in nature.
Write down 5 things you are grateful for in your life.
Hug someone you love for more than 30 seconds.
Breath in and let out a big sigh anytime you notice your body starting to tense up.
Collagen for hair loss during menopause
Collagen is a wonderful supplement for hair loss.
Collagen provides the necessary nutrients, called amino acids, your body needs to grow healthy hair in a form that is easily digested by the body.
As we age, our digestive enzymes that break down our food can become less effective, creating nutrient deficiencies.
Collagen is a great source of amino acids that requires less work by the body to digest.
Our customers love adding our collagen creamer to their coffee, tea, or milk because it contains high quality collagen and superfoods for energy, focus, and reducing cravings.
Want to learn more about collagen and hair loss? Read our guide to learn how much you need and how long it takes to start seeing results.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential vitamin that helps to support healthy hair, nails and skin.
It does this by supporting the body’s keratin, and helps your body use specific nutrients, like fats.
Vitamins and minerals that help with menopausal hair loss
Research shows that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to hair loss.
Here are the most common vitamins and minerals associated with hair loss during menopause.
Vitamins that have an impact on the state of hair: C vitamin, group B and A vitamins.
Minerals that influence hair growth are: Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Si, Mg and Ca.
Speak with your doctor about getting tested to see if you are deficient in any of these.
Wrap Up
Hair loss during menopause can be frustrating for many women, but remember you’re not alone and there are many things you can try. Be kind to yourself!
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