During menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can trigger a number of changes in hair, including thinning, dryness, and loss of volume. Getting to the root cause and using targeted treatments can help restore hair to its former thickness and shine.
Causes of Menopausal Hair Changes
- Hormonal imbalances - Estrogen levels drop while testosterone levels remain the same or even rise, leading to a relative increase in androgens. This can shorten the anagen growing phase of hair follicles.
- Oxidative stress - Declining estrogen allows more free radicals to damage hair follicles, potentially hindering growth.
- Nutrient deficiencies - Lower estrogen can impact nutrient absorption leading to deficiencies in iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
Treatments and Solutions
Medical Treatments
- Hormone therapy - Systemic estrogen with or without progesterone can help balance hormones. However, oral estrogen may not reach the scalp effectively.
- Low-level laser therapy - Use of red and near-infrared light to stimulate hair follicles. Shows promising results for hair growth.
- Platelet-rich plasma - Injections of concentrated growth factors from your own blood into the scalp to stimulate follicles.
Topical Treatments
- Minoxidil - Vasodilator that helps direct nutrients to follicles. Useful for regrowing hair. May cause unwanted facial or body hair.
- Redensyl - Contains stem cells, peptides, and antioxidants to aid follicles. Claimed to reduce hair loss.
- Nutrient supplements - Serums with amino acids, biotin, niacinamide, zinc, iron, and vitamins support hair.
Lifestyle Approaches
- Improve nutrition - Eat more iron, zinc, antioxidants, protein, and omega-3s. A balanced diet supports hair growth.
- Reduce stress - Chronic stress raises androgens and cortisol, inhibiting optimal hair growth.
- Increase scalp circulation - Massage, microneedling, and laser therapy boost blood flow to follicles.
- Use gentle hair care - Avoid tight hairstyles, brushing wet hair, harsh chemicals, heat styling.
- Quit smoking - Smoking restricts blood vessels including those in the scalp.
Balance & Renew Clinic Offers Personalized Solutions
The hormone specialists at Balance & Renew Clinic provide customized hair regrowth programs for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Their approach includes:
- Advanced hormone testing to detect imbalances
- Bioidentical hormone therapy to restore optimal levels
- Nutriceuticals, serums, laser therapy to nourish follicles
- Lifestyle coaching for diet, stress management
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
With their integrative process, Balance & Renew Clinic helps women achieve full, healthy hair even during menopause. Contact them today for a consultation.
In summary:
- Menopause often brings undesirable changes to hair due to hormones, stress, and nutrients.
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications can help regrow hair.
- Improving diet, managing stress, and boosting circulation also support hair health.
- Balance & Renew Clinic provides personalized multi-therapy solutions to optimize hair during menopause.
Getting to the root of hormonal causes, while nourishing hair follicles through a variety of methods, can help bring back the thick, vibrant hair you had prior to menopause. Explore the many solutions available today to find your optimal regimen.
