Suffering from Menopausal Hair Loss? Here’s How to Deal
It’s unpleasant, yes, but not a cause for alarm.
Ah, menopause. That season in a woman’s life when hormonal fluctuations—usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55—lead to physical changes that are heralded by symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, stubborn belly fat, and yes, even hair loss.
Fun, right? Just kidding.
It all sounds daunting but it doesn’t have to be. As a part and parcel of every woman’s journey, you can face it prepared with the right knowledge and tools. And when it comes to menopausal hair loss, don’t despair. There are lifestyle choices you can make and products you can use to address the issue.
What causes menopausal hair loss?
The drop of estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause can lead to a number of physical changes. Hair loss is one of them. Because these hormones are responsible for hair growth, less estrogen and progesterone means thinner hair and slower growth. What’s more, this period is also marked by an increase in androgens or male hormones that are known to shrink hair follicles. This coordination of hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased hair fall and thinning on certain areas of the scalp.
How hair loss impacts women
A 2019 review looked into how hair changes as women get older and how it affects them mentally and emotionally. Basically, losing hair can make a woman look older and feel worse about herself. As women age and go through menopause, the most common type of hair loss they experience is called female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), which affects about 40% of women over 60.
That said, it is important to have a consultation with a Philippine Dermatological Society (PD) Board-Certified dermatologist for the proper diagnosis of alopecia. Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, recommends undergoing a hormonal panel test to document the drops in the hormone levels of women.
Moreover, his Functional Medicine approach in addressing hair loss—particularly menopausal hair loss—is focused on identifying the triggers and underlying causes for targeted intervention. “There are many various drivers of hair loss,” he explains. “These range from autoimmune issues and hormonal imbalances to poor gut health, insulin resistance, environmental toxicity, and more.”
What to do if you experience menopausal hair loss?
While you can’t stop aging and the body changes that come with it, there are certain practices that can help minimize the effects of menopause on your hair and your whole body:
1. Take up yoga and meditation. Because your hormones are already running amok, engaging in activities that can help manage your stress levels can help in reducing menopausal symptoms and keep your hormonal imbalance in check.
2. Eat healthy and load up on fatty acids. Pay attention to what you eat. Eat more food rich in essential fatty acids like salmon, sardines, chia seeds, and almonds, and mono-saturated oils like olive oil and sesame oil.
3. Exercise regularly. Aside from overall just being good for you, exercise can also help manage other menopausal symptoms and regulate your hormones, which in turn can prevent hair loss.
4. Say no to unhealthy habits. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and toxin exposure. These habits can increase oxidative stress in the body, which can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
5. Don’t stress your tresses. Shower regularly, minimize exposure to heating tools and chemicals, protect your hair from the elements, and find supplements and hair products formulated specifically for hair loss. Below are a few products you may want to check out that addresses hair loss issues:
Bosley MD Healthy Hair Growth Supplement for Women, P1,250 (sale price) , combats hair loss with DHT-inhibiting botanicals plus Biotin, Niacin, and Zinc. (DHT or dihydrotestosterone is a form of androgen that causes hair follicles to shrink.) Meanwhile, biotin helps strengthen the hair follicle while niacin and zinc maintain healthy hair and reduce shedding.
Bosley Men’s/Women’s Extra Strength Minoxidil 5% Topical (Foam), P2,800, is a leave-on treatment clinically proven to regrow hair and slow down further hair loss.
Perfect for menopausal hair loss, Iraltone AGA Capsules, P2,900, are formulated for hair loss caused by hormonal imbalance. It contains zinc, copper, and selenium along with vitamin C and E, and works by strengthening the hair fiber, maintaining hair density, and providing powerful antioxidant activity. (Read more about Iraltone oral supplements here.)
Meanwhile, Iraltone Fortifying Shampoo, P1,250, helps with hair regrowth by stimulating the hair follicle, reinforcing keratin, and restoring vitality and hydration to the hair.
If you’re considering the surgical route or hormone therapy but are still on the fence, the AnteAGE MD Home Hair System, P12,800, might be the option for you. To kickstart the hair growth process, it revives the sleeping stem cells inside the hair follicle. Stimulating these stem cells promotes a more youthful and active hair growth pattern.
Another professional treatment—one that’s done in-clinic—is Meso Hair, a mesotherapy treatment that uses intradermal injections of vitamin B complex (biotin + dexpanthenol), copper tri-peptide, and other essential nutrients to the scalp to address hair loss and stimulate hair growth. At Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, you can avail of one session for P5,000 or get five sessions for P20,000 (package rate). Read more about mesotherapy here.
Talk to your doctor
If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, it’s always best to consult your doctor or talk to a dermatologist or trichologist. Other factors, like medications and unhealthy habits, can aggravate your symptoms or cause hair loss that may or may not be related to menopause.
For your peace of mind, you can book a virtual or face-to-face dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You can also inquire at the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Center via (+63) 999-887-1944. View our full treatment menu here.
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