Causes and Symptoms of Hair Loss During Menopause
Sudden severe hair loss is not uncommon in women during and after menopause. Studies show that just over half of women over 50 experience hair loss. From the age of 60, this proportion rises to up to 80 percent. A common cause of this hair loss is the hormonal imbalance during menopause, also known as hormonally induced hair loss or hormonal alopecia. The blog post on menopause symptoms explains the most common complaints of the different stages of menopause in more detail.
Causes and Mechanisms
During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, leading to an excess of male sex hormones (androgens), such as testosterone. This imbalance disrupts the hair cycle, shortens the hair growth phase, and thus leads to increased hair loss. While men have been familiar with this problem for a long time, it is normal for women to also experience thinning hair as they age.
Course and Symptoms
Hair loss during menopause is especially noticeable in postmenopause, about a year after the last menstrual period. The crown area in particular becomes thinner. Although it is rare for women to develop complete baldness, hair loss can still be considerable.
Duration and Effects
Losing up to 100 hairs per day is normal and not a cause for concern. However, if significantly more hair falls out or bald spots develop, this is a sign of serious hair loss. The duration of hair loss during menopause varies greatly: it can last a few weeks, several months, or even years. After the hormonal changes are complete, hair growth may resume in some cases. Hair loss during menopause is common and often due to hormonal changes. Women experiencing severe hair loss should seek medical advice to find suitable treatment options and minimize hair loss.
Different forms of hair loss during menopause
In women, hair loss typically begins in the crown area, where thinning spots gradually form. Additionally, hair in the forehead or temple area can become thinner. However, complete baldness is rare in women; the side lengths usually remain intact.
Classification of hair loss
Hair loss in women can be classified into different types:
Type I:
No to slight recession of the hairline at the crown, hair thins slowly.
Type II:
Significantly reduced hair density, advanced recession of the hairline at the crown.
Type III:
The scalp is clearly visible, the bald crown area affects the entire top of the head.
Other affected areas
Depending on genetic predisposition, eyebrows and eyelashes can also become thinner. In some women, hormonal changes during menopause lead to increased facial hair growth, such as the development of a female mustache. Hair loss in women follows certain patterns and mainly affects the crown, forehead, and temples. Complete baldness is rare, and the side lengths usually remain intact. Classification into different types helps determine the degree of hair loss and take appropriate measures. Other body areas such as eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial hair can also be affected by hormonal changes.
Risk factors for hair loss during menopause
Researchers from the renowned Chulalongkorn University in Thailand investigated the prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women. For this, a team of gynecologists and dermatologists recruited 178 healthy women aged 50 to 65 who were in postmenopause.
Results of the study
Frequency:
In around 52.2% of the women examined, researchers found signs of hair loss.
Distribution by hair loss types:
About three quarters of the affected women suffered from hair loss type I.
Almost one fifth were affected by type II.
About one in twenty suffered from type III hair loss.
Psychological Effects:
About 60% of those affected reported reduced self-esteem, which worsened the more severe the hair loss was.
Influencing Factors:
Hair loss increased with the age of the women. Another statistically significant factor was overweight, defined as a BMI over 25.
Further Research Needed
The study could not make definitive statements about the influence of family history, sex hormones, and polycystic ovary syndrome on female hair loss. Researchers want to explore these areas further in future studies. The investigation shows that hair loss in postmenopause is a widespread phenomenon that increases with age and overweight. At the same time, it highlights the need for further research to better understand the exact causes and additional risk factors.
Measures Against Hair Loss During Menopause
Hair loss during menopause can be a distressing experience for many women. Doctors offer various treatment options that can have different effects individually.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy can relieve menopausal symptoms, including hair loss, in some women. By regulating hormone levels, HRT can support hair growth.
Dietary supplements
Taking trace elements such as selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 can complement hormonal therapy and possibly reduce hair loss.
Minoxidil
In cases of persistent hair loss, Minoxidil can be used. This active ingredient may improve scalp blood circulation, which can promote hair growth. However, a side effect could be increased hair growth in unwanted areas.
Hair Transplantation and PRP Therapy
If your own hair no longer grows, it is advisable to consult a specialist in hair loss and hair transplants. These experts offer comprehensive advice and treatment options that go beyond hair transplants and focus on regenerating your own hair.
A proven method is autologous blood plasma therapy, also known as PRP therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma). This therapy is considered the most effective treatment for hair loss in women. In about 90% of cases, hair loss can be stopped. Additionally, the affected hair follicles recover in every second patient.
The regenerative and revitalizing effect of PRP therapy not only leads to increased hair growth and more hair volume but also contributes to the regeneration of the skin and subcutaneous fat tissue. These comprehensive effects make PRP therapy a valuable option for women suffering from hair loss.
Nutrition and nutrients
A balanced diet rich in vitamins C, B, and A as well as the minerals zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, and calcium is essential for hair health. These nutrients support numerous bodily functions important for hair growth.
Home remedies and herbal alternatives
There are various home remedies and herbal alternatives that can alleviate hair loss, even though their effectiveness is often not scientifically proven. These should only be used in consultation with doctors and as a complement to conventional therapies.
Some herbal remedies include:
Antioxidants:
Flavonoids in apples, cinnamon, cocoa, or grapes can support hair growth.
Caffeine:
Can stimulate cell proliferation and hair growth.
Onion juice:
Can stimulate hair follicles and thus reduce hair loss.
Body weight and hair loss
A healthy body weight can also help against hair loss. Overweight women (BMI over 25) statistically suffer more often from hair loss in postmenopause than women with normal weight.
Conclusion
Treating hair loss during menopause often requires a combination of different approaches that should be tailored individually. Medical advice is essential to find the appropriate therapy and minimize possible side effects. Read more about the most common complaints during the various stages of menopause in the blog post on menopause symptoms.
