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What is Menopause Hair Loss?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

Menopause hair loss, also known as menopause alopecia, is a common side effect among women over age 50 who are going through this stage in life. This issue results in thinning hair on the head, and is oddly often combined with new, unwanted hair on the face. Changing hormones and increased stress levels during mood swings are most often to blame for menopause hair loss. Treatment for this problem includes hair transplant surgery, hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes.

One of the hormones responsible for menopause hair loss is estrogen, as there is less of it in the body during this time period. Other hormones are also to blame, however, including the lower levels of progesterone. Additionally, the loss of such hormones also means that testosterone is no longer being regulated. During menopause, the body begins creating 5-alpha-reductase, which is a hormone that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. This substance is known for causing thinner hair, both in the front and on the top of the head.

Menopause is a natural process of the reproductive system that signifies the end of a woman's fertility and menstrual cycles.
Menopause is a natural process of the reproductive system that signifies the end of a woman's fertility and menstrual cycles.

Stress can also lead to menopause hair loss, and many women find plenty of reasons to stress when they go through this stage. Mood swings and depression are both common during menopause, and can cause many women to feel stressed enough to start losing hair. Anxiety during this time is also common, especially in women who are not prepared to deal with all the changes that menopause can bring.

Lower levels of hormones due to menopause can cause hair loss.
Lower levels of hormones due to menopause can cause hair loss.

Hormone replacement therapy is one type of treatment that can stop menopause hair loss, as it involves adding estrogen to the body so that hormonal balance is restored. While this works for many women, it is only recommended as a temporary treatment since it has been found to increase the risks of ovarian and breast cancer. Hair transplant surgery and scalp lifts are other types of treatment available for menopause hair loss, but they are typically expensive and can be considered invasive. On the other hand, scalp massage and acupuncture are two methods that are known for stimulating the hair follicles enough to grow the hair back.

Hair loss during menopause is often referred to as menopause alopecia.
Hair loss during menopause is often referred to as menopause alopecia.

Additionally, there are natural remedies that can help with menopause hair loss, including herbs. For example, herbs like black cohosh feature plant-based estrogen, while non-estrogenic herbs, like macafem, do not. Both work to balance the hormones in the body during menopause, eventually resulting in reduction of hair loss during this stage of life. Of course, lifestyle changes like eliminating alcohol and caffeine, working out regularly, reducing other sources of stress, and maintaining a balanced diet with no vitamin deficiencies are also natural ways to stop menopause hair thinning.

Discussion Comments

jullian

My experience in thinning over a wide area of scalp, and for many, the first signs and symptoms came in the form of a smaller ponytail, a wider part line or excessive shedding during brushing and showering. Now I am under a hair loss treatment and now it made into half and hope I can relieve from my hair loss.

rachelsjulia

Menopause can be a stressful time for women, and the stress will only make things worse. Regular scalp massages during menopause will help reduce stress as well as promote blood circulation and hair growth.

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    • Menopause is a natural process of the reproductive system that signifies the end of a woman's fertility and menstrual cycles.
      By: xiaofoto
      Menopause is a natural process of the reproductive system that signifies the end of a woman's fertility and menstrual cycles.
    • Lower levels of hormones due to menopause can cause hair loss.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Lower levels of hormones due to menopause can cause hair loss.
    • Hair loss during menopause is often referred to as menopause alopecia.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Hair loss during menopause is often referred to as menopause alopecia.