How are hair loss and menopause related?

The most common symptom of menopause is hair loss. Hair loss is not harmful to general health, but it can have cosmetic effects on a woman. It can even cause depression in a small number of women. So, what is the relationship between hair loss and menopause in women and how to limit hair loss during this time?

Menopause is a natural biological process that all women go through at some point in their lives. During this time, the body undergoes many physical changes as it adapts to fluctuating hormone levels. Many women experience unpleasant symptoms during menopause; including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia. Hair loss is another common phenomenon.
Hair loss in women tends to be less than in men. Most women experience thinning hair rather than large bald spots. Thinness can occur on the front, sides, or top of the head. Hair can also fall out in large patches during brushing and bathing.
Research shows that hair loss during menopause is the result of a hormonal imbalance. Specifically, it is associated with decreased production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help hair grow faster and stay on the head for a longer time. When the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop, the hair grows more slowly and becomes much thinner. The drop in these hormones also causes an increase in the production of androgens or a group of male hormones. Androgen hormones shrink the hair follicles, leading to hair loss on the head. However, in some cases, these hormones can cause more facial hair to grow. This is why some menopausal women develop “peach fluff” on their faces and tiny hairs on their chin.
For women going through menopause, the cause of hair loss is almost always related to hormonal changes. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to hair loss during menopause, such as high stress levels, illness, or a lack of certain nutrients. Diagnostic blood tests that can help rule out other causes of hair loss include thyroid testing and/or a complete blood count.

Hair loss can make you self-conscious about your appearance but it is not permanent. Additionally, you can take steps to treat hair loss and improve hair quality. Follow these tips to keep your hair healthy and strong during menopause.

2.1. Reducing stress It is important to keep your stress levels under control to prevent hormonal imbalances. Reduced estrogen production can affect chemicals in your brain and cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Yoga and other breathing relaxation techniques are particularly effective in combating menopausal symptoms. Regular exercise can also help reduce stress.
2.2. Exercise Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. You'll feel stronger and happier when you incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It also helps prevent some other symptoms of menopause such as mood swings, weight gain, and insomnia. All of these factors are important for maintaining hormonal balance, promoting healthy hair growth.
Choose a form of exercise that works for you. You can consider going for a walk, working out at the gym, or going for a run.
2.3. Eat healthy Set yourself up for a balanced, low-fat diet. This is your best defense against hair loss. Make sure you get enough whole grains, fruits, and vegetables at each meal. It is also important to incorporate monosaturated oils; such as olive oil and sesame oil,... into your diet. Drinking green tea, taking vitamin B6 and folic acid supplements can also help restore hair growth. Essential fatty acids also play an important role in maintaining hair health. These fatty acids can be found in the following foods:
Salmon. Tuna. Flaxseed oil. Walnuts . Almonds. 2.4. Drink enough water Your body needs enough water to function properly. Note that fruit juices, soft drinks and flavored drinks may contain more sugar than your body needs. The amount of water needed varies from person to person and depends on many factors such as general health and intensity of exercise. However, as a general rule, you should drink 8 8-ounce glasses of water each day.

2.5. Keep your hair natural To prevent your hair from drying out and breaking, it's best to stay away from heat tools, such as hair dryers and straighteners. Other styling methods can also weaken your hair and cause premature hair loss. If you must dye your hair, choose a completely natural hair color. The man-made chemicals found in dyes and perms can affect the health of your scalp and hair. When washing your hair, always use a conditioner to keep your scalp healthy and promote healthy hair growth. If you go swimming, be sure to wear a swim cap, as chlorine can contribute to hair loss. When you are out in the sun or wind for long periods of time, you should wear a hat to protect your hair from drying out and breaking.

2.6. Talk to your doctor about medications you are taking Some medications have side effects including hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you think the medications you're taking may be the cause of your hair loss. Your doctor may be able to switch you to another medicine without any side effects. Do not stop taking the medicine until you consult your doctor as this can be dangerous to your health.
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Reference sources: healthline.com, suckhoedoisong.vn