Hair Loss
Most women experience overall hair thinning rather than noticeable bald spots. The thinning can occur on the front, sides, or top of the head. Hair may also fall out in large clumps during brushing and showering,” she points out.
“It’s estimated that around 70% of women over the age of 70 experience hair loss,” she adds.
Nevertheless, such a change in your appearance can be understandably distressing.
Why menopause affects your hair
Why might the menopause affect your hair? The answer, of course, is hormones. Lack of oestrogen could lead to a lacklustre mane.
“Hair loss during menopause is the result of lowered production of oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones help hair grow faster and stay on the head for longer periods of time. When the levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, hair grows more slowly and becomes much thinner,” Denning explains.
The psychological impact
The majority of us can relate to the lack of confidence associated with a ‘bad hair day’. And many women find that menopause-associated hair loss damages their confidence.
“We live in an age of easy image sharing and broadcasting, with the side-effect that our appearance is exposed to judgement. Even though hair loss is not life-threatening and considered cosmetic in many cases, the effects on patients’ quality of life are real,” says Denning.
And the research backs this up. While both men and women are affected by hair loss, the impact may be more devastating in women, sometimes leading to social self-exclusion and severe depression.
Treatment options
But if you’ve become unhappy with your hair since the menopause, you’re not alone. More comforting still, there’s plenty that can be done.
Denning advises that you speak with your GP early – as soon as you notice a change in your hair – so that a possible cause can be identified. You might have a nutritional deficiency, for instance, that can easily be remedied with the right supplement.
She explains that your doctor will want to take a full medical history.
“I look at a woman’s stress levels, changes in hormone treatment, chronic illness, life stage changes. And of course, examining the hair to look for any physical changes.”
Your GP might call for some blood tests, to check for healthy levels of iron and various vitamins, along with your thyroid and other hormones.
If the blood tests come back normal, hair loss treatment minoxidil is sometimes prescribed, which many women find helpful – although this is highly unlikely to be available on the NHS. But don’t rule out non-medical intervention, says Denning. Never underestimate how much your hair will thank you for avoiding aggressive styling, irritating chemicals and heat treatments. “Sometimes the simplest approach is the best.”
