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Menopause and Hair Loss
For some women one of the most depressing aspects of menopause can be rapid hair loss. Although not as well know as some symptoms of menopause , hair loss can affect up to 50% of women.
As with most menopause symptoms hair loss is caused by an imbalance in the bodies hormones. The lower levels of estrogen in the body lead to an imbalance with the male hormones. Testosterone is the hormone which causes baldness in men and is found in much smaller levels in women the imbalance in the hormone levels can then affect women and cause rapid hair loss. The good news is that if the hair loss is menopausal related the effects are rarely permanent.
There are a number of ways of treating hair loss increasing the level of estrogen in the body can redress the balance. One way this can be done is by using hormone replacement therapy. HRT does have some possible side effects and some increased risks attached to its use.
You should have a long talk with your doctor about the possible risks. If you are also suffering from hot flashes then you will probably find that HRT will be very useful to you as it will redress the imbalance and eradicate many of the symptoms including hair loss.
If you are not comfortable with using HRT there are a number of things you can do to reduce the impact of the hair loss the first step is to ensure that you are eating a healthy diet with lots of vitamins and minerals. Next you can try to use natural shampoos and conditioners this will help to strengthen the hair and prevent it breaking.
A regular scalp massage will stimulate the blood supply to the scalp and hair follicles helping to keep them healthy. You can also speak to your hairdresser as they will have a lot of experience with women suffering hair loss. Very often they can suggest a change of hair style which can disguise the effects of the hair loss. The use of hair extensions and hair pieces which can be woven into your own hair are also becoming popular.
The main thing to remember about menopause and hair loss is that it is perfectly natural and that you are not alone. There are many more women with the same symptoms as you. Once your hormones stabilize and are back in balance the effects of the hair loss should start to disappear over the following months.
Menopause Information Center
