Menopause Hair Loss In Women
Hair loss or balding, is generally a condition that is regarded to be an affliction of men, many of them start losing their hair, some in their 20s, and there are very few grandfathers who have as much hair as they used to have when they were young. However, hair loss is increasingly recognized to be a major problem for aging women, and especially in the sensitive phase of menopause many women have to deal with hair loss or considerable hair thinning as an additional symptom. Hair loss can result in a lower self-esteem and a loss of confidence. Many women thus regard menopausal hair loss as the ultimate step in their aging and the disappearance of their beauty.
Causes of Menopausal Hair Loss
Researchers have not yet explored the exact causes of hair loss, especially during menopause, however, it could be a result of various factors. One possible cause, is a genetical tendency for baldness, which can cause hair loss from the age of twelve, however the physiological changes occurring during menopause obviously contribute to the appearance of more serious hair loss or hair thinning. As a result of the change in the functioning of the ovaries, fewer female hormones are produced estrogen levels decrease in the body, while testosterone levels remain the same, and thus the ratio between the two hormones is changed. High estrogen levels can protect the woman from the small amount of testosterone, but as a result of these changes, testosterone can combine with the enzyme alpha 5, to produce DHT, which is responsible for female baldness.
Women, besides the thinning of their hair, may also notice unwanted bodily hair on the chin, chest or abdomen. Many other psychological causes, like traumatic events, increased stress or the psychological symptoms accompanying menopause itself can also contribute to or increase the chances of significant hair loss. Hair loss may also be the cause of other unrelated illnesses, and so if you are concerned about the level of your hair loss, you should definitely contact your doctor. Fortunately, not all women experience menopausal hair loss, only around one-third of them, and thus it cannot be the sole result of hormonal changes.
Possible Treatment For Menopausal Hair Loss
There are treatments available, many women for example get hormone therapy treatment, in which their estrogen levels are increased. Other hormone treatments work to slow down the production of testosterone. There are also some non-drug based solutions to cope with menopausal hair loss. For example, a balanced diet can help the growth of healthy hair. You should eat food that is rich in proteins and foods with vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. It is also advisable to cut your hair in short layers, which can give it fullness. Do not use hair spray, chemicals or hair straighteners for example that can damage your hair, and try to use natural products to wash your hair.
