Menopause and hair loss

Post your questions about hair loss and alopecia here.

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by Guest Posts on Mon Aug 13, 2018 1:18 pm

Menopause and hair loss

hi im a menopausal woman of 53 and ever since I started the menopause my hair has become very thin and course. .. I'd there any natural treatments that you could suggest please thank you
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Dr Sharon Wong
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by Dr Sharon Wong on Tue Aug 14, 2018 12:36 am

Re: Menopause and hair loss

Hi there,

Thank you for your query. The menopause is a challenging time for your hair. The reduction in oestrogen and relative increase in male hormones (androgens) together lead to diffuse hair thinning +/- shedding but can also often change the texture of your hair with many women noticing their hair becoming dry and coarse. Unfortunately there are no proven natural remedies for the thinning but several medical treatments can help to lessen the hair loss including HRT and medicines that reduce the level of male hormones or anti-androgens. As with all tablet medications these can come with potential risks and side effects - these should be discussed with your hair specialist/dermatologist to ensure you start a treatment that is right for you. Topical minoxidil, which is primarily licensed for genetic hair loss can be helpful as a general thickening product. It is available over-the-counter and works to prolong the growing phase of the hair follicle. However do be warned that in up to 40% of patients there may be worsening shedding in the first few weeks of use, before it then settles down. Results will not be apparent until 4-6 months later and it would need to be continued long term to maintain effect. Cosmetic solutions such as synthetic hair fibres are readily available from high street chemists and can provide an effective easy to camouflage the areas of thinning.

Regarding the textural changes to your hair it may help to incorporate a deep conditioning mask 1-2/ week and to consider reducing the use of heat styling and or hair dyes to limit any further damage and dryness to your hair.

It is also worth seeing your doctor to have a routine set of blood tests done to check for other common causes of hair thinning such as low iron, thyroid hormones etc which may make the menopause related changes worse.

I hope this is of some help and best of luck

Sharon
Dr Sharon Wong
Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... n_wong.php

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