Understanding Hair Loss in Women During Menopause: Causes & Solutions

Hair loss during menopause is fairly typical, although that doesn't mean women have to like it or accept it.

Age Takes Its Toll

• Aging results in hair loss for many women, and menopausal women may experience hair shedding. Some women are genetically predisposed to female-pattern hair loss, just as men have male-pattern hair loss. Hair loss may first occur in women in their mid-20s and 30s and progress with age, resulting in moderate to significant hair loss.

Potential

• A common cause of female hair loss is androgenic alopecia, which is believed to be hormonally caused and is often observed in menopausal women, according to 34-Menopause-Symptoms.com. Hair may become thin overall, or a woman may develop a bald spot at the crown.

Role of Hormones

• Hormones, or the lack of them, can cause hair loss in menopausal women. When progesterone, one of the female sex hormones, diminishes due to lack of ovulation, the body makes more androstenedione, which has androgenic or male-like properties and can result in hair loss, according to Power-Surge.com.

Another Consideration

• If the thyroid gland malfunctions, which occurs frequently in menopausal women, hair loss can result (from either an underactive [hypothyroidism] and overactive [hyperthyroidism] thyroid gland).

Fight Back

• Change eating habits and incorporate more iron, protein, vitamins B and E and sulfur into your diet to promote hair growth and health. Consider alternative methods for battling hair loss, including non-estrogenic or phytoestrogenic herbs. Discuss the problem with your doctor and decide what is your best treatment approach.