Older women often experience thinning hair as a natural part of the ageing process. We can classify this issue as light to moderate balding. However, thinning hair does not automatically lead to baldness, unlike common hair loss. The issue is that this style gives the impression that your hair is thinner in certain areas.
The process of hair thinning is typically slow and subtle. So, you have a much better chance of finding its root cause and, therefore, the best way to treat it.
One of the major causes of hair shedding is menopause. This article will tell you the connection between menopause and thinning hair and also teach you how to reverse thinning hair after menopause.
Summary
Don't worry about the cause of your menopause hair loss; there is a solution. The first step in finding a satisfactory remedy is pinpointing the problem's root cause. Then, if you can get your hands on the correct treatment, you can restore your hair's natural thickness, beauty, and shine.
The link between menopause and thinning hair
Loss of hair is a common symptom of menopause for many women. According to studies, more than half of women experience menopause-related hair thinning or loss. Menopause is also defined as not having a period of 12 months.
It's possible that menopausal hair loss won't be immediately noticeable. 50–100 hairs per day are the average human's daily hair loss. Hair loss accelerates and becomes more noticeable during perimenopause.
Seeing any differences in the mirror may take some time if your hair loss is gradual. However, you may notice that your part is getting wider, your ponytail looks less full, and your hair overall seems duller and flatter.
After a while of this rapid hair loss, you may notice bald spots at the crown of your head and along the hairline at your forehead. Patches of thinning hair can also show up at the nape of the neck and on the top of the head.
Hair loss can also occur in other areas of the body during menopause. Because of this, many women find that their legs, arms, and armpits grow less hair or none at all. Hair loss can also occur in the pubic area. During menopause, you may also notice a loss of lash and brow density.
Other possible causes of hair loss
Let's say you're experiencing thinning hair or complete baldness. If this is the case, you should consult a dermatologist to determine the cause of your hair loss and begin treatment that will promote new growth. Listed below are some of the most common reasons for hair thinning:
- Many women experience hair thinning as a result of stressful or physical stress. That's because hair follicles go through active growth and dormancy phases. When the body is under stress, hairs are forced to transition from the growth to the resting phase, ultimately leading to their fallout.
- Hormonal changes might cause Menopausal hair loss after stopping birth control or giving birth. For example, thicker, fuller hair directly results from increased estrogen levels. And vice versa, hair loss occurs during periods of low estrogen.
- Most hair loss in men and women can be traced back to their genes. Hair loss genes can be passed down from either or both parents.
- The hair might suffer two types of damage after a crash diet. First, your body interprets rapid weight loss as a stressful event, leading it to believe that you are starving and likely not getting enough nutrients to maintain good hair growth.
In addition, here's a list of common drugs and substances that can cause hair loss (without you knowing):
— Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S.
How to reverse thinning hair after menopause?
However, you could do a few things to promote new hair development while protecting your existing locks. Here are some potential solutions to the problem of losing hair after menopause.
Bio-Pixilin hair growth routine for women
Using this simple 3-step routine, you can slow hair loss, promote new growth, and keep your existing hair in tip-top condition and full of life. In as little as 150 days, which guarantee safe and stable growth, you can see results. Hair loss is pushed back, and new healthy hair growth is seen. In addition, there are absolutely no drugs involved or negative consequences to worry about.
Minoxidil
The FDA has only approved one drug to treat female pattern baldness or hair loss - minoxidil for women. While the over-the-counter minoxidil foam or liquid can't bring back the hair that's already been lost, it can encourage new growth and make your hair appear fuller. However, how long does minoxidil take to work depends on your body and its absorption. Most of the time, minoxidil results only appear for 6–12 months, and the effects disappear and reverse themselves once you stop using the product.
On top of that, you can experience minoxidil side effects sexually, physically, mentally or minoxidil side effects after stopping.
If you're in doubt, see our list of the best minoxidil alternatives.
Finasteride
Topical finasteride or Propecia is a prescription drug approved by the FDA specifically for male use; how long does finasteride take to work may take longer, up to a year before you notice any visible finasteride results.
For a man, your doctor might prescribe finasteride and minoxidil to increase their effects, or only finasteride if your body doesn't react well to minoxidil.
Women, on the other hand, won't be prescribed finasteride because of its working mechanism. But, in extreme cases, you will be prescribed one off-label.
Very few studies has confirmed the effects or the side effects of finasteride on women, so it's crucial to consult a health professional before you use.
Fret not, as these finasteride alternatives can be used on both men and women.
Microneedling
Microneedling for hair loss, or dermarolling is when you use a a piece of equipment with many needles to stimulating the scalp. It's available over-the-counter to improve blood flow and aerate the scalp - which might be more effective when used with another hair loss medication (like minoxidil and dermarolling).
You can also use a derma roller for receding hairlines.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Once a blood sample has been collected, it is centrifuged to separate the plasma. Protein and other nutrients are sometimes mixed in before being injected into your scalp. It can be quite pricey, and unfortunately, insurance won't cover it.
5 tips to reverse thinning hair in women
If you have certain types of pattern baldness or a medical condition that can cause female pattern hair loss, it may not be possible to grow your hair back. However, some people have had success with natural remedies when attempting to regrow hair. Let’s discuss some easy methods to reverse thinning hair.
1. Regular scalp massage
Massaging the scalp with the hands, which can be used with hair oils and treatments, might increase hair thickness. A study published in 2019 found that massaging the scalp promoted healthier hair, more blood flow to the scalp, and stronger hair follicles. Also, if your female pattern hair loss is caused by stress and anxiety, massaging your scalp daily may help you feel better.
Do not use your fingernails; instead, massage your scalp with your fingertips. Apply gently to moderate pressure as you move in small circular motions throughout your scalp. Even though there is no hard and fast rule about how long a scalp massage should last, participants in the 2019 study mentioned above got a 4-minute massage once a day for 24 weeks.
2. Healthy diet
Vitamins and minerals in food help hair follicles grow and replace cells. Therefore, Menopausal hair loss might occur if you need more nutrients. Biotin, riboflavin, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have all been linked to hair loss. If you are losing your hair because you aren't getting enough of these vitamins and minerals, eating a well-balanced diet may help your healthy hair grow back.
3. Avoid stress
Stress during pregnancy, chronic disease, marital problems, financial worries, accidents, poor diet, surgery, drugs like antidepressants, and even jet lag can all lead to significant hair loss.
But the effects of stress, including hair loss, may be temporary. Your healthy hair may start growing again if you learn to manage your stress. If you see more hair coming out than usual when you comb or wash your hair, or if your hair loss is sudden or spotty, you should consult your doctor.
4. Take supplements
In addition to eating a diet full of all the vitamins and minerals that can stimulate hair growth, many supplements can be bought without a prescription that is made for people who are experiencing female hair loss or menopause hair thinning. Always check with your primary care physician before using any dietary supplement.
5. Try natural remedies for thinning hair
Many home remedies, such as stinging nettle, pumpkin seed oil, turmeric, ashwagandha, coconut oil, niacin or castor oil, are available for regrowing more hair. These natural remedies are never ineffective and always produce positive results. Just go and find out which remedy works best for you.
Will hair loss from menopause grow back?
Hair loss can reverse after menopause. However, before we get there, it's crucial to understand that human hair typically goes through lifelong cycles of shedding and regrowth. In a typical day, an individual may shed anything from fifty to one hundred hairs. It's a lot to take in, but in reality, it's rather typical, and on most days, you won't even realize it.
More male hormones, called androgens, cause hair loss during menopause by stopping hair growth and weakening hair follicles. This hormonal hair loss typically occurs gradually because perimenopause can last for years.
As women age, their hair tends to thin out all over, while men tend to get bald spots. Regrettably, hair that has been lost due to menopause can be regrown. So your thick hair may not be as thick as before menopause, but it will return.
Read more:
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