Can menopause cause hair loss?

It has long been established that changes in a woman’s hormones can cause changes in skin, nail, and hair growth. One of the most turbulent times in a woman’s life, aside from puberty, when it comes to hormones, is menopause. Menopause makes the end of a woman’s ovulation cycle in her life, this is the time when no more eggs are produced, and no more uterine linings are shed. Therefore, this marks the end of a woman’s menstruation; it also marks the end of heightened estrogen and progesterone production.

During menopause, your physician may recommend eating more foods which establish healthy nail and hair growth, as changes in your body could render hair weaker and more brittle. Hair loss is a common symptom of menopause, both because of changes in hormones and diet. Deficiencies in Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, and vitamin B have been a proven link toward hair loss.

Hair loss of 50-100 hairs a day is normal. If more than 100 hairs are being lost daily for more than a week at a time, this signifies abnormal hair loss. This amount could lead to bald patches. Of course you won’t count the hairs you lose each day, but you may notice an increase in the amount you see on your clothing, on your pillow, and in your hair brush.

 

What to Expect

20 to 60% of women will experience hair loss related to menopause and hormones before the age of 60. Androgens produced by the adrenal gland and ovaries can cause disorders associated with improper hair growth, including weakened hair follicles. Weak hair follicles cause hair to fall out early, as it can’t stand up to the force of a brush or even massaging in the shower.

If you are in the early stages of menopause, you might notice more hair than usual falling out when you comb or brush your hair. You may also notice extra hair falling out in the shower when you wash your hair. Your hair dresser is likely to comment on how much hair is coming out during treatments such as dyeing, cutting, curling, and straightening.

There’s no way to stop menopause, but there are ways to protect and treat your hair so that it stays manageable and intact for as long as possible.