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During menopause, it is common for many women to experience hair
loss in varying degrees. It is entirely natural for a woman's hair
to thin as she ages, though typically not to the extent of male
thinning or baldness. The onset of menopause can increase this hair
loss to a noticeable level, but, in most cases, it is treatable
and even reversible. Female hair loss caused by hereditary factors
or aging, however, is usually permanent.
The loss or thinning of hair can create major issues in a woman's
life, centering around issues of self-confidence and appearance,
with social and emotional implications that can cause her to become
introverted and anti-social. The good news is that perimenopausal
hair loss is almost always temporary, plus there are treatments
available to help her get through this period.
The effects upon the thyroid function tend to be the most common
cause of hair loss in perimenopausal women, but there are other
factors that can also cause thinning hair.
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These include things
such as an increase or decrease in hormone levels, physical or emotional
stress, certain medications, scalp or dermatological disorders,
and heredity.
Events as much as three months prior should be taken into consideration
when examining the causes of female hair loss. Drastic changes in
diet, the diagnosis of a medical condition, or starting a new medication
can sometimes be the cause of thinning hair. An exceptionally traumatic
occurrence, like divorce or the death of a loved one, can trigger
the sudden loss of hair. Hair coming out in patches or clumps is
not indicative of female hereditary hair loss; a woman experiencing
these symptoms should seek out her doctor's advice immediately.
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Hair
is composed of keratin, which is the same protein that makes up
our fingernails and the outer layer of our skin. There are approximately
100,000 hairs on our head, and every day we lose anywhere from 40
to 100 strands. On a normal head of hair this is barely noticeable,
and each strand lost is eventually replaced by a new hair growing
from the follicle.
The average strand grows about a half an inch per month, but this
growth slows as we age. A single hair can remain on our head as
long as six years in some cases, and is continually growing for
the majority of that time during what is known as the anagen stage.
Following the anagen stage is the catagen stage, a dormancy (or
resting) period where a hair strand ceases to grow but still remains
attached. After a while the hair will fall out, which is the telogen
stage, and within about six months a new hair will begin to grow
from the follicle. When some of the factors involving perimenopausal
symptoms disrupt this cycle, the hair may fall out before its time,
or when it does fall out a new hair strand doesn't replace it.
When a woman enters perimenopause, the cessation of ovulation causes
the body to react by increasing the production of androstenedione,
which in turn may cause some androgenic (or male-like) tendencies
such as hair loss. Natural progesterone supplements can cause the
androstenedione level to gradually decrease, and normal hair growth
should resume within about six months.
Although it is not widely advertised, roughly two-thirds of women
will suffer hair loss to some extent as they grow older, and of
that figure about half have female-pattern baldness, or androgenic
alopecia. Just as in male-pattern baldness, it is usually permanent.
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However, there have been cases of women who, after experiencing
hair loss related to the rise and fall of hormones during perimenopause,
saw a regrowth to their previous density level as their hormones
leveled off and they progressed into the postmenopausal period.
Even if hair growth doesn't return to the previous level, it's very
likely there won't be any further hair loss.
Any time hair loss is patchy or comes out in clumps, the best course
of action is to see your doctor or dermatologist immediately, as
this is not typical for age-related thinning.
There are some natural resources women can seek out, as well as
medical or cosmetic options. Biotin is a natural hair-strengthener,
and soy isoflavones contain estrogenic effects that may help thinning
hair brought on by menopause. Topical minoxidil, available without
a prescription, is applied to the scalp twice daily, but results
are not usually seen for at least four months.
While it remains very likely that any hair lost during the perimenopausal
period will regrow, it is nonetheless can affect a woman's self
esteem and her quality of life in a negative manner. Over-the-counter
products may offer some help is restoring hair growth, but as always
consult your physician before taking any medications or treatments.
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