About 50% of all women go through menopause hair loss. Suddenly you seem to have a lot less hair as you turn 50. Hormonal changes associated with menopause are at work.
As ovulation stops occurring, progesterone levels fall in the female body. As a reaction the body starts producing more androstenedione, an adrenal cortical steroid which spurs the production of adrenal cortical hormones. Androstenedione brings on certain male characteristics, noticeable among them being male pattern hair loss. Lower levels of estrogen, higher levels of testosterone and decreased thyroid function are also major causes of menopause hair loss. Other reasons could be heredity, the reaction of some medication, higher stress levels and medical conditions like rheumatism and low blood sugar.
Treatments For Menopause Hair Loss
• Maintain a healthy intake of soy isoflavones. Soy milk, soy nuggets and soy oil are all rich sources. Soy isoflavones help restore estrogen by stimulating beta receptors.
• Progesterone supplements raise progesterone levels which causes androstenedione to decrease in the body. Thus normal hair growth is restored. The process may take up to six months.
• Naturally compounded hormones can be used to correct falling estrogen levels in the body. This will cause menopause hair fall to cease and hair growth to resume naturally.
• Medication such as minoxidil may be prescribed. However it should be taken after careful consideration of possible side effects. Low dose steroids may also be used in some cases. Metformin, used in type two diabetes may also be advised to some.
• Maintain a diet that is rich in fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables are highly recommended.
• Cut down fat intake. Losing excess weight can help control thyroid imbalance, a primary cause of hair fall.
• Include flax seed or cod liver oil in your daily intake as these provide essential fatty acids.
• Necessary vitamins are vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin E. Supplements for these and important minerals like zinc and biotin can activate hair growth.
• The use of green tea extracts, pumpkin seeds and saw palmetto is recommended as these are rich sources of vitamins and minerals.
• Minimize the use of chlorinated water on hair.
• Do not wash hair too frequently as this causes you to lose more hair.
• Regular scalp massage can boost circulation and promote hair growth. Oils like carrot seed oil, sage, olive and rosemary are especially helpful.
• Avoid perming and the use of bleaches, coloring agents and other harsh chemicals on the hair.
• Discuss the medication you are taking with your doctor. Beta blockers, thyroid pills and anticoagulants may have hair loss as a possible side effect.
• Finally one must combat the physical and mental stress that accompanies menopause as stress is a major cause of menopause hair loss. Exercise helps.
Other means of controlling stress are yoga; meditation and indulging in feel good and fun activities. Nothing fights stress better than laughter. Breathing exercises, walking and jogging in fresh air also contribute to well being. Avoid taking on more work than you can handle. Dissociation with causes of stress, for as long as you can, will assist in rebuilding your reserves of energy.