Coping With Thinning Hair and Hair Loss in Menopause
Going through menopause can be difficult enough without having to deal with unwelcome changes like thinning hair or hair loss. As estrogen levels decline in perimenopause and menopause, women may suddenly notice more shedding, a wider part line, or locks that lack the lush thickness of earlier years.
Understanding the Menopause-Hair Loss Link
Hair follicles function in phases. About 90% of strands are in the growing stage at any given time. As this growth phase ends, follicles take a break of a few months before starting over.
Estrogen helps synchronize these cycles and keeps follicles productive. With plummeting estrogen, hair cycling falls out of sync. More hairs may enter the resting phase at once, leading to noticeable thinning.
Other Factors Contributing to Thinning Locks
While estrogen imbalance is the main culprit, other menopause-related changes can further tax hair health:
- Inflammation
- Oxidative stress
- Circulation changes
- Nutrient deficiencies
- High androgens
Controlling these issues alongside restoring estrogen balance is key for supporting fuller hair growth.
Conventional Treatments for Menopausal Hair Loss
If over-the-counter thickening shampoos and volumizing sprays arent cutting it anymore, consider these medical treatment options.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only FDA-approved medication for treating female pattern hair loss. It works by boosting circulation and extending the growth phase so strands can become longer and thicker.
Apply the liquid or foam twice daily. Up to 25% more density is seen after 4 months in responders. However, hair loss returns if you stop using it.
Low-Level Laser Devices
Handheld devices using red beam or laser light may help follicles stay active. Although not FDA cleared for hair growth, some derms recommend at-home laser caps and wands.
In office laser treatments tend to be even more effective but less convenient. Expect to pay $30-85 per session.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP harnesses growth factors in your own blood to stimulate follicles. During this vampire facial-type treatment, your blood is drawn, spun, then injected into the scalp.
Three monthly PRP sessions are often advised. Its backed by some research but costs $500+ per treatment session.
Natural and Holistic Options for Thinning Hair Support
Many women also explore natural solutions that address hair thinning and loss from multiple angles:
Nutrafol Post-Menopause Supplement
Nutrafol Post-Menopause contains botanicals and micronutrients researched to counteract hormonal, inflammatory and aging-related hair thinning in women.
Ingredients like curcumin, maca root and flax lignans ease excess androgens, provide phytoestrogens and lower oxidative damage. The formula reduced hair shedding 46% in a clinical study.
Scalp Massages
Using your fingertips, give your scalp gentle 5-10 minute massages before bedtime. This stimulates circulation to follicles which feeds them the nutrients they need.
For extra nourishment, use a hair oil like rosemary, thyme, peppermint or cedarwood herbs linked to hair growth.
Stress Reduction Practices
Chronic stress disrupts hormone balance and promotes inflammation both damaging for hair. Thats why relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, journaling and sufficient sleep could support healthier hair.
Even taking brief 1-2 minute mindful breathing breaks several times a day gives follicles a boost by lowering cortisol.
Tips for Styling Thinning Hair
While you work on getting to the root of menopause-related hair thinning, you can fake fuller locks in the meantime using certain hairstyles and volumizing products.
Consider Shorter Cuts
Long hair with sparse volume can accentuate hair loss. Consider a shorter, layered bob, lob, or pixie cut.
Removing length gives hair more body overall. It also keeps ends from splitting and breaking which worsens thinning.
Add Layers and Texture
Ask your stylist for lots of long layers cut throughout your hair. This removes bulk weight and creates movement for fuller appearance.
Instead of smoothing strands, embrace messy, undone textures using sea salt sprays. Teasing the roots also disguises widening parts.
Camouflage Visible Scalp
A hair loss concealer powder like Topix or Color Wow Root Cover Up do wonders for hiding roots and visible scalp until hair regrows.
The colored microscopic fibers cling to hair strands for temporary coverage between color appointments.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation for Hair Loss
Mild to moderate hair thinning is common in menopause. But if you notice sudden patchy loss or large clumps coming out, seek medical help to determine the cause.
Rule Out Underlying Illness
Unexplained severe hair loss can result from:
- Thyroid disorders
- Anemia
- Autoimmune disease
- Nutritional deficiencies like iron or zinc
Doctors can run blood work and conduct a scalp exam to diagnose conditions contributing to excess shedding.
Consider Hair Restoration Surgery
If hair loss from menopause is devastating your self-image, surgical transplants could be an option. Procedures like:
- Follicular Unit Extraction
- Follicular Unit Transplantation
Harvest thousands of hairs from back of the scalp and redistribute to areas like widening part or hairline for permanent, natural-looking restoration.
Just be sure to address hormone imbalance simultaneously so new growth is as healthy as possible.
The Takeaway
Moderate hair thinning is common with menopause, but can still take an emotional toll when beauty culture equates lush locks with youth and femininity. Know that there are many strategies to reduce shedding, regrow stronger strands and disguise loss while you transition.
FAQs
Does estrogen replacement help with menopausal hair loss?
Yes, estrogen therapy like pills, patches and gels can improve hair growth in menopause. However, oral estrogen ups blood clot risks. Topical estrogen tends to help hair just as well with less risks.
How long does post-menopausal shedding last?
It varies. Hair loss from hormonal shifts can start 1-5 years before menopause as estrogen declines and last 5+ years after. With estrogen therapy and a hair regrowth regimen, excessive shedding may only last several months.
Can thinning hair after menopause grow back?
Yes it can. The key is addressing the hormonal imbalances and inflammatory factors damaging follicles. Nutrafol, platelet rich plasma, and laser treatments can all help previously dormant follicles to eventually regenerate new hair.
What hairstyles make thin hair look thicker?
For thinning hair, shorten length to remove weigh, add lots of layers, embrace messy undone texture with sprays, tease roots for lift, use concealing powders like Topix on scalp and part lines. This disguises loss until regrowth occurs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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