Menopause is one of the most natural parts of a woman’s lifespan. Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes and more occur. Who would have thought thinning hair would be a part of this nightmare?
Every living thing goes through a process of senescence, including our hair. With increasing age and menopause, accompanied by decreasing levels of estrogen, also known as the ‘beauty hormone’, hair health deteriorates.
This article will focus on how to reverse thinning hair after menopause, the connection between these two phenomena and how to break this cycle.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is when a woman’s menstrual periods stop permanently, usually between ages 45 and 55, due to a natural decline in reproductive hormones, marking the end of fertility.
Menopause & Hair Thinning: What’s The Connection?
Hair thinning and shedding can be caused by a variety of factors including poor diet, stress, childbirth, medical conditions or even genetics. Menopause is one such cause of hair problems.
Menopause is like a mystery thriller movie with unexpected twists and turns. You never know which body change is going to occur next. The fluctuating hormone levels in the female body affect every structure and function within.
The following menopausal factors are related to hair thinning:
- Hormonal Changes: With the onset of menopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body decrease. These hormones play an important role in the hair health and growth.
- Androgen Influence: The male hormone androgen becomes more dominant with decreasing estrogen levels, leading to shrinking hair follicles and hair thinning.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some women can have a genetic predisposition to hair loss during menopause, as evidenced by family history.
- Other Factors: These primary hormonal changes can affect other secondary factors like sleep cycle, diet changes, nutritional deficiencies and stress. These factors can indirectly lead to hair changes.
What Are The Stages Of Hair Growth?
Hair follicles go through a cycle of growth, maintained by hormones. Changes in these hormone levels have consequences on the hair growth cycle as well.
Let’s take a brief look at the normal hair cycle.
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This phase involves active growth with the hair shaft growing longer. It can last for 2 to 7 years. The majority of hair (around 85-90%) on the scalp is in this phase.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): This short transitional phase lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. Hair growth slows down and hair follicles begin to shrink and prepare to enter the telogen phase.
- Telogen (Resting phase): This resting phase involves dormant hair follicles. These hairs will eventually shed and the follicles will prepare to start the anagen phase. It can last for 2 to 4 months.
Estrogen’s Effect On Hair: Pregnancy Vs. Menopause
Estrogen deficiency in menopause, along with other hormonal changes, leads to significant hair changes. Less production of sebum results in dry scalp and hair texture. However, it is rare to have completely bald areas due to hair shedding.
Consider two normal phases of a female lifecycle, pregnancy and menopause, as an example to understand the effect of estrogen on hair growth.
See Also: Perimenopause Hair Loss
| Feature | During Pregnancy | During Menopause |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen Levels | Increase | Decrease |
| Hair Health | Thicker, fuller, shinier | Thinner, less dense |
| Hair Shedding | Reduced | Increased |
| Hair Growth Phase | Prolonged Anagen Phase | Prolonged Telogen Phase |
Where Does Hair Thinning Occur After Menopause?
Hair thinning and hair loss are noticeable, especially in areas such as:
- Top of head, especially crown
- Front hairline leading to recession
- Sides of the head
- Armpits
- Pubic area
- Eyelashes & eyebrows
Is Hair Loss During Menopause Permanent?
No, the hair thinning and hair loss after menopause are not permanent. The hormonal fluctuation can cause these changes, but once the hormone levels stabilize, hair loss may improve or become more manageable with appropriate care.
If you are bothered by these changes, you can consider various hair care treatments and remedies to take extra care of your hair. Usually, it is not a one-solution-fits-all but requires a comprehensive management plan.
How Can I Make My Hair Grow Faster After Menopause?
If you want to regain your healthy thick hair postmenopausal, here’s a list of effective remedies. These have proven effective in restoring hair density, health and shine but require months of hardwork and patience.
Immediate Actions
Start with arranging blood tests to check for any nutritional deficiencies related to hair loss, such as low iron levels. Blood tests can also help rule out other medical causes like low thyroid hormones.
Tips To Reduce Hair Breakage & Damage
Avoid the following during menopause:
- Over brushing
- Heat styling tools like straightener, curler etc
- Tight hairstyles such as ponytails, buns
- Harsh chemical treatments
- Overwashing
What Should I Include In My Hair Care Routine?
The following can help nourish your hair after menopause:
- Hair Thickening Shampoos: Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler and less drying than other shampoos.
- Nourishing Conditioners: These conditioners contain biotin, keratin, ginseng, saw palmetto and argan oil, which help decrease dry texture in hair.
- Hair & Scalp Massages: Coconut, almond, jojoba, olive and sesame oils are good for nourishing and relaxing scalp massage. They boost blood circulation, strengthen hair and promote faster hair growth.
- Use Cotton Shirts: This can help reduce frizz and hair damage, as the soft fabric of cotton shirts will not break hair but absorb water without over drying.
- Air-Dry: It is less damaging for hair, as blow drying can lead to heat damage, over-drying, increasing the likelihood of hair breakage.
Topical Treatments For Post-Menopausal Hair Growth
Apart from initial hair care regimen, you can opt for topical treatments that have demonstrated efficacy in supporting hair regrowth.
- Minoxidil: It helps prolong the anagen phase and increases blood flow to the follicles. Use it for at least six months for effective results.
- Redensyl: It stimulates and revitalizes dormant hair follicles, boosting hair thickness and improving overall hair health
- Procapil: It is anti-androgenic, helping improve blood flow to hair follicles. It is best for existing hair thinning or baldness.
Nutritional Treatments For Post-Menopausal Hair Loss
A balanced diet packed with nutrients can support hair health during menopause. Foods rich in antioxidants, proteins, and healthy fats help strengthen hair and promote growth.
Diet Tips For Hair Health After Menopause
Eating nutrient-rich foods and staying hydrated can reduce breakage and support healthy growth during menopause.
- Include leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, eggs, fatty fish, and beans. Avocados, olive oil, salmon and walnuts provide healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and added sugars.
- Hydration is key to keeping hair shiny. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily.
- Avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Lifestyle Changes For Hair Growth Post-Menopause
Small lifestyle changes can significantly improve hair health after menopause.
- Manage Stress
Psychological stress can be detrimental to hair health. It can lead to high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can cause hair shedding.
Manage stress through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or mindful practices. Regular massages, good sleep habits can also help.
- Exercises
Regular exercise improves blood circulation, providing nutrients and oxygen to the scalp. Start small with activities like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, strength training, dancing.
New Therapies For Post-Menopausal Hair Growth
Innovative therapies can stimulate hair growth post-menopause, targeting follicles to improve thickness and scalp health effectively.
| Therapy | How It Works | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) | Uses infrared light or lasers. | Stimulates hair follicles; increases blood flow to the scalp; promotes healthy hair growth. | Non-invasive; requires multiple sessions over several months. |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy | Injects the patient’s own plasma into the scalp. | Rejuvenates hair follicles; promotes cell regeneration and scalp health. | Can be expensive; takes several months to see results. |
| Hair Transplant | Moves healthy hair follicles from dense areas to thinning areas. | Provides permanent hair in transplanted areas. | Takes weeks to months to see full effects; does not prevent future thinning. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing for menopausal hair loss?
There is no single hair treatment plan for menopausal hair loss. It’s a combination of topical treatment, lifestyle adjustments including nutritional support and hormone therapy.
How much biotin should I take for menopausal hair loss?
The recommended daily intake for adults is 30 to 100 mcg. However, higher doses are often used in supplements targeting hair growth, but it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
How often should you wash your hair after menopause?
Although it varies according to sebum production and hair texture, a general guideline is to wash your hair 2-3 times a week for a clean scalp.
How can I style my hair to make it look fuller during menopause?
To make your hair look fuller during hair thinning after menopause, you can choose different hair cuts such as:
- Blunt Bob
- Short Layers
- Layered Pixie
- Soft waves
- Long Bob
- Textured crop
