Many different physical changes occur during menopause. Because of these hormonal changes, women can also experience thinning hair or hair loss.
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What is menopause?
From the mid-40s, women enter menopause, the phase before and after the last menstrual period. During this time, the ovaries produce fewer sex hormones. As a result, there are more and more ovulations and the period becomes more irregular and then finally stops altogether. When the last menstrual period occurs, most women are in their early 50s. Deviations are quite possible, because after all the hormonal changes are individual for each woman.
Since the balance of hormones is thrown out of balance during this time, this is also noticeable physically. The classic menopausal symptoms include increased sweating, mood swings or loss of libido. Many women also notice their hair thinning and falling out. It is estimated that around a third of all women going through menopause experience hair loss.
Menopause: This is why hair falls out
Hair loss can be explained by the drop in estrogen . The sex hormone ensures shiny and full hair. Due to the hormonal and menopause-related changes, the hair roots are particularly sensitive. The consequences: The roots shorten the growth phase of the hair and lengthen the rest period. So the hair grows slower and becomes thinner. But even after the menopause, the hair density can continue to decrease due to the changed metabolism.
4 tips against hair loss during menopause
1. The right hair care
As estrogen decreases during menopause, the body makes less collagen. The skin has trouble retaining moisture. More wrinkles can form. Our sebaceous glands also produce less sebum. On the one hand, this has the advantage that the hair becomes greasy less quickly, but it also means that the hair becomes drier, less shiny and thinner. Proper care is required to prevent further damage to the hair and scalp. Wash your hair lukewarm and use a gentle shampoo . To prevent further hair damage, always use a heat protectant spray when styling with flat irons and curling irons. Also, avoid using hot air from the hair dryer as much as possible.
2. The right hairstyle
Your haircut, hairstyle and hair color are also important factors in relation to thinning hair. Wear your hair half-length or cut into a bob to make your hair look fuller and more voluminous. If you do not wear your hair loose but in a braid, you should not tie your hair too tightly. The tension can further promote hair loss. You should also not use hair ties with metal clasps. This roughens the hair structure, which leads to hair breakage. Permanent coloring can also damage your hair. The chemicals it contains cause your mane to dry out and impair the supply of nutrients.
3. Rely on nutrients
The best prerequisite for healthy hair growth is an optimal supply of nutrients. B vitamins in particular, such as B2, B3 and B12, help to keep your scalp and hair roots healthy. Protein is also essential. Because proteins serve as building materials for cells and tissues, which is why our hair consists largely of protein. In order to be well supplied with nutrients, you should eat a balanced and healthy diet. Above all, focus on fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality vegetable fats, legumes, nuts and seeds.
More about this here: Hair loss – these 4 nutrients stimulate your hair growth >>
4. Stop hair loss with Minoxidl
If you are looking for one or the other remedy for hair loss, you will definitely come across Minoxidl. The active substance belongs to the antihypertensive drugs. These are drugs used to treat high blood pressure . Minoxidl therefore has a vasodilating effect and, according to Stiftung Warentest, can improve hair growth. Possible explanations are that the hair root is better supplied with blood and the formation of new blood vessels is promoted. The earlier the remedy is used, the better the chances of curbing hair loss. Before using Minoxidl, however, you should consult a doctor, especially if you have cardiovascular disease or you have high blood pressure and are already taking antihypertensive medication.
