Does Menopause Cause Hair Loss?Exploring the Link and Solutions for Thinning Hair

Understanding the Impact of Menopause | Fun Facts About Hair | Causes of Hair Loss | Types of Female Hair Loss | Visible Signs of Hair Loss | Top Tips to Prevent Hair Loss | Conclusion | 

Many women experience a literal tsunami of physical, psychological and emotional symptoms during Menopause, which we sometimes jokingly refer to as a "midlife crisis"! However, there are some serious side effects, not the least of which is hair loss.

Thinning hair is particularly distressing for women and can easily erode confidence as hair is a key element of our appearance and identity. This post aims to investigate the link between hair loss and Menopause, highlighting the causes and symptoms.

Hopefully, by the end, you will have a better understanding of how Menopause affects hair and several actionable solutions to tackle problematic hair growth.

Understanding the Impact of Menopause

Oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels decrease significantly from the age of 45 onwards, triggering a range of symptoms. These include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, itchy skin, fatique, insomnia and changes in hair health.

The reduction in Oestrogen is pivotal in affecting hair thickness and growth cycles. For clarity, let's give you a brief description of the hair growth cycle, which has 4 phases:

Anagen Phase: this is the growth phase when cells in the hair root are rapidly multiplying to form new hair.

Catagen Phase: this is a transitional phase when the active growth phase stops and blood supply is no longer delivered to the cells that could produce new hairs.

Telogen Phase: this is the resting phase when hair strands are present but no longer growing.

Exogen Phase: this is the release phase when hairs fall out of the follicles. Technically, the Anagen Phase will now start again.

Fun Facts About Hair:

• The human scalp has approximately 100,000 hairs!

• Humans shed anywhere between 30 and 150 hairs each day!!

Research indicates that normal Oestrogen production levels ensure that hair remains in the Anagen phase for longer. Therefore, a decrease in Oestrogen production levels reduces the Anagen phase and slows hair growth. The result? Hair may become thinner and more brittle, increasing the risk of shedding. At the same time as Oestrogen levels drop, Androgen (male hormones) levels rise. Androgens reduce hair follicles, leading to finer, weaker strands of hair or localised bald patches.

Causes of Hair Loss During Menopause:

Hormonal changes are the key contributor to the changes in a woman's body during Menopause. However, there are the other factors to consider. Here are some key contributors to hair loss during this time:

• Genetics:

  • Genetics may also be the culprit; for example, if there is a family history of hair loss, women may be more susceptible to thinning hair during Menopause.

• Stress:

  • Women often experience a rollercoaster of emotions and physiological changes during Menopause, which can be both confusing and distressing. Life events such as divorce or bereavement may also happen around this time, further adding to stress levels. Stress may cause hair follicles to move into a resting (Telogen) phase, resulting in shedding.

• Nutrition:

  • Menopausal women may experience deficiencies in key nutrients (for example, vitamins A, D, E, Zinc and Iron), contributing to hair loss. Iron deficiency is an often overlooked cause of hair loss. No matter what phase we are in, a healthy diet is a "must-do" for healthy hair.

• Thyroid Issues:

  • Thyroid health can also impact hair growth. Hypothyroidism, a condition that is more common in women, can result in hair loss.

  • It is well worth doing diagnostic blood tests to pinpoint or rule out underlying health issues such as thyroid imbalance which may cause hair loss.

• Medications:

  • Certain medications may also affect hair growth. Check with your GP if you are on medication to find out if hair loss is a side effect.

Types of Female Hair Loss:

• Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) or Androgenetic Alopecia:

  • A genetic disorder, FPHL occurs gradually as the hair on the top and crown of the head begins to thin out while the hairline remains. In this case, the hair follicles become sensitised to Androgens (male hormones). It is the most common type of hair loss.

• Telogen Effluvium:

  • This occurs when the hair moves into the resting phase, typically due to hormonal imbalance, stress, or illness. The result is that hair thins out all over the scalp.

• Alopecia Areata:

  • This condition results from an autoimmune response in the body, resulting in patches or bald spots on the scalp. It may also affect other body parts.

• Traction Alopecia:

  • This is caused by repeatedly pulling hair too tightly into hairstyles such as ponytails.

• Postpartum Alopecia:

  • This is a temporary hormonal reaction to childbirth. Hair growth usually returns to normal after a few months.

• Scarring Alopecia:

  • This refers to hair loss through scarring, where the destroyed hair follicle is replaced with scar tissue, resulting in permanent hair loss. A group of rare disorders causes this type of Alopecia, and if caught early enough, the scarring process can be stopped or at least slowed down.

Visible Signs of Hair Loss During Menopause:

As your body changes, it is essential to take note of changes in your hair or signs of hair loss. Seek solutions and support as early as possible rather than waiting until the problem becomes more conspicuous. Some of the typical visible signs include:

• Widening of the Parting: as individual hairs become more widely spaced out, hair thins along the parting and scalp is more visible.

• Overall Thinning: A general decrease in hair volume with scalp clearly visible.

• Bald Patches: Some individuals may develop localised patches where hair is noticeably thinner or absent.

• Brittle Hair: Hair may lose its shine, become brittle and weak, and break easily.

• Change in Hair Texture: Some women experience a change in hair texture, which can appear coarser or more wiry.

Our Top Tips to Prevent Hair Loss:

There's a solution for every problem, and this applies to Menopause. At The Otto Clinic, we advise clients on the various solutions and approaches to combat hair loss. Our experts have put together the following list of their top practical tips and treatments:

• Consult a Healthcare Provider:

  • The first step is to consult an expert to identify the underlying causes. As we have already mentioned, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies may be the root of the problem. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult your doctor and enquire about specific blood tests to rule out medical conditions. It is easier to deal with a problem when you know the root cause!

• Nutrition and Supplements:

  • Diet:

    • Increasing protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote healthy hair growth. Fish, flaxseed, leafy greens, and nuts are all excellent foods to increase in your diet.

  • Supplements:

    • Hair growth supplements containing biotin, keratin, Omega 3, Iron, Zinc, Collagen, Vitamin D and amino acids may help some individuals combat thinning hair. However, it's important to note that supplements that work for one person may not work for another.

    • Again, we would advise booking a review with a qualified nutritionist or dietician who can advise on diet and supplements and help craft a daily food plan.

• Hydration:

  • Why drink at least 2 litres of water every day? The simple answer is that water delivers key nutrients to all areas of the body, including the scalp. These nutrients are vital in the maintenance of healthy hair follicles.

• Topical Treatments:

  • There are over-the-counter treatments which stimulate hair growth in some individuals. As always, it is best to see a doctor or consult with an expert before testing such products.

• Stress Management:

  • Incorporating stress-relief techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation or breathing techniques, can improve overall well-being and help alleviate hair loss related to stress.

• Sleep Management:

  • Sleep is an incredible healer. It is a time when the body intensifies its repair mechanisms, dealing with stress and hormonal imbalance. If you have insomnia or find it hard to fall asleep, it's important to implement a bedtime routine: avoid screens for one hour before bed and set a consistent daily routine for going to bed and waking up.

• Hair Care Options:

  • We can offer many tips here, but the golden rule is to use gentle shampoos and conditioners, wash hair less frequently, avoid harsh chemicals (e.g., hair sprays, hair gels, etc.), and avoid using hot settings on hair dryers and other styling tools. Avoid the use of straighteners altogether. Avoid tight hairstyles such as ponytails and french braids which pull on hair follicles, causing damage. It's a good idea to consult a hairstylist for tips on the best gentle products for hair and the most effective styles for disguising bald patches and/or thinning.

• Aesthetic Treatments:

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy and Microneedling with Exosomes, both of which are available at The Otto Clinic, are two noninvasive, completely natural treatments that are known to stimulate hair follicles and trigger regrowth.

Conclusion:

Chinese medicine refers to Menopause as the Second Spring, which signifies energy renewal. Indeed, it is a new chapter in life, a time when we should be able to focus on self-care and self-nourishment rather than stressing out over menopausal symptoms such as hair loss.

Therefore, it is important to remember that you are not alone - above all, don't be afraid to seek expert help.

It is our sincere hope that this article has provided a deeper understanding of menopausal hair loss and, more importantly, inspired you with our practical tips on how to tackle the issue.

Our team at The Otto Clinic have years of experience helping clients to deal with hair loss so don't hesitate to book a consultation to find the best solutions for thinning hair.