A woman’s hair growth cycle is greatly influenced by hormones; during menopause hormonal changes can have drastic effects on the rate of growth and thickness of the hair.
Menopause is a natural part of life that brings with it many physical and emotional changes. One of the most noticeable changes is the sudden thinning or greying of hair. During this time, it’s important to understand why these changes are happening and how to take care of your hair health during menopause.
Oestrogen levels decrease and diminishing the ability for the hair follicles to generate new hairs, which in turn decreases length and volume of hair. While this will not necessarily cause you to rapidly lose hair, it does bring about a noticeable thinning over time that can be very distressing for some women. In order to better handle this situation, starting healthy haircare practices early and eating well can provide benefits both before and after Menopause, preventing future issues such as damaged ends and scalp health concerns due to hormone changes.
The Causes of Hair Changes During Menopause
Hair changes during menopausal stages are due to hormonal fluctuations in the body, as well as ageing. The decrease in estrogen can cause hair follicles to shrink, making them more vulnerable to shedding and breakage. Estrogen also helps maintain healthy blood flow to the scalp, so low levels can contribute to dryness and thinning. Ageing itself can also affect hair health, as it becomes harder for new hairs to grow in when you get older.
Oestrogen is a hair friendly hormone and when levels are normal it helps to keep hair in the Anagen phase (known as the growing phase) when the level decreases the hair sheds more often. It is also possible after menopause for the follicle to produce finer, weaker hair which is less responsive and more prone to breakage. This can gradually happen over a period of time. Some women experience a higher testosterone level around menopause and this can also have a stronger negative effect on the hair follicles. In most cases the changes are gradual. It is possible that it goes unnoticed for some time.
Most people know that hair changes are natural as you age, but some patterns of hair loss can be more observable than others.
One common pattern is recession area at temples, which can make it appear as if your hairline is shrinking or receding. This is often accompanied by widening of the parting, thinning of the top area of the head, or a visible scalp at the crown area.
Another noticeable change could be when you notice your ponytail feeling thinner and looking smaller than it did in the past. In some cases, hair may not even seem to be growing like it used to. While many of these changes are a normal part of ageing, they can still cause concern so it’s always important to monitor any changes that occur with your hair health.
These are all natural parts of aging, but if you find that they suddenly take place or worsen in their speed or effect, you may want to consider seeing one of our hair expert’s and figuring out potential treatments or preventatives. Keep an eye on any concerning changes in order to keep your hair healthy as you age!
The good news is, even though these changes are normal during menopause, there are some steps you can take to keep your hair looking its best!
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair During Menopause
Speak to an expert:
Charlie Taylor is an expert on menopausal hair and has many solutions to ease the effects of menopause for women who find it concerning. The effects of menopausal hair in women can cause lack of confidence and self esteem issues.
At Charlie Taylor’s we urge you to not suffer in silence but to come forward, book a consultation with Charlie who will present you with solutions to make the absolute best possible outcomes with your hair.
Eat a healthy diet:
Eating a balanced diet filled with vitamins and minerals will help ensure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs for healthy hair growth. Foods like lean meats, eggs, nuts, and fruits should be included in your diet for optimal results!
Stay hydrated:
Keeping your body hydrated will not only help with overall bodily functions but also increase scalp circulation which can promote healthier and stronger locks! Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day—at least 8 glasses per day—to stay properly hydrated.
Use gentle products:
When drying or styling your hair, make sure you’re using products that won’t strip away moisture or damage follicles such as sulfate-free shampoos or conditioners. Additionally, try not to use too much heat when styling as this can be damaging over time!
Conclusion
All in all, understanding what causes hair changes during menopausal stages can help you better prepare yourself for them—and even prevent them from happening! Our doors are always open to help with hair loss or change.
Eating a balanced diet filled with essential nutrients along with staying hydrated and using gentle products while styling will go a long way towards keeping your locks looking their absolute best throughout this transitional period in life! With these tips in mind we hope that managing menopausal hair will be an easy process for all women experiencing this natural stage of life! We are always here to speak to if you are concerned about your hair.
