Menopause Hair Loss Doesn't Have to Be Permanent

We have all heard horror stories about the side effects of menopause: hot flashes, weight gain, rapid mood swings that take you from Princess to Evil Witch in 2.2 seconds. What about thinning hair or hair loss? Yes it can happen. And it can be disheartening to say the least. We all want to age with grace and look our very best in the years to come. Best of all, it is possible.

About 30% of menopausal women are affected by hair loss, or alopecia. It is caused primarily by the hormone fluctuations of mid-life. Progesterone drops. Estrogen drops. When the end result is a net gain in available testosterone, women begin to notice hair loss on the head, much like male pattern baldness.

Natural Solutions And What You Can Do

Menopause hair loss is mainly the result of hormonal fluctuations. If your menopause symptoms are mild or moderate, you may be able to promote balance with nutritional supplements, herbs and over the counter progesterone cream. For some women, the hair growth normalizes once the hormone roller coaster has stabilized.

Next, take a look at your diet and look for ways to optimize and improve. Poor nutrition, coupled with stress, can promote hormonal imbalance. Consider adding high quality nutritional supplements to shore up deficiencies - Vitamin B12, C, D and E are great, as well as magnesium.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with lean, healthy proteins such as fish and chicken. Don't neglect essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3's, which are found in fish oil. Watch the sweets and processed foods. Reward yourself with the occasional treat, but then go back to healthy choices.

Be nice to your hair and pamper it. Watch hair color, heat and certain kinds of hair products and avoid alcohol in hair products whenever possible. Overuse of these things can damage hair or accelerate the rate of hair loss.

Talk to your doctor. If your hair loss is sudden, or severe, it is best to check out the complete physical picture. Hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed.

Lastly, relax. Stress can do a number on your hair and your overall health. Stress hormones can actually shock hair follicles into a resting phase. Constant stress will not allow the hair follicles to switch back to an active growth phase, and this can lead to thinning hair as well.