Hair loss after menopause
Menopause is a natural aging process when women start experiencing some changes her body. One of them is hair loss. In fact, after a certain age both men and women start shedding off their hair. Actually, it all depends on the hormones and body adjusts to fluctuating hormone levels. This result in many physical changes, one of them is hair fall.
THE PROBLEM
In women, androgenetic alopecia begins with gradual thinning at the part line, followed by increasing pattern hair loss radiating from the top of the head. But, a woman’s hairline rarely recedes, and women rarely become bald. Also, it was observed that 40% of women observe reduction in hair density after they turn 40. So, age is another major factor in this regard.
THE SOLUTION
Now, female pattern hair loss is becoming a common clinical problem and the percentage ratio has increased. Though, hair fall may begin at any age but results get severe after menopause. Sometimes, it is hereditary too. So, to solve this problem, many treatments were introduced which are as follows.
Various treatments available
There are many medical treatments available that can help mitigate hair loss. Let’s discuss them in detail
1. Consumption of minoxidil solution
A Minoxidil solution was considered as one of the possible medical treatment for hair loss in women after menopause. After many studies and researches, it was found that minoxidil drug is well efficient in stimulating re-growth of hair.
The drug not only reported positive results for re-growing some new fine hair on the scalp but also controlled the hair fall as well. However, the drug is FDA-approved and is considered best for treating androgenetic alopecia in women.
How much time will it take?
As it is not a quick- fix treatment, it will take few months obviously. You may get to see some effective results after 4 months only. The drug will work itself. All you need to do is, use it regularly for two months at least.
2. Platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP)
Platelet rich plasma (P.R.P.) is one of the latest treatments which claim to stimulate dormant hair follicles. The procedure involves some interesting steps like drawing blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to extract the plasma. Then, adding various nutrients (like more protein) to it. Finally injecting the resulting mixture on the top of the scalp, which got numbed with a local anesthetic.
The treatment is costly but effective. Women who tried this quickly saw an improvement in their hair till now. Moreover it is a nonsurgical treatment which doesn’t show any side effect too.
How much time will it take?
The procedure doesn’t require any downtime and can be completed in a single day itself, whereas for the results, you have to wait. New hair growth usually takes at least four months, but after this treatment within two-months, results were spotted with some baby hairs. But you may have some follow-up sessions after few months.
3. Low-level laser therapy
In this modern world, lasers act as a key which opens many lock. It can treat every skin and body problem and so hair problem too. Low level laser therapy is the safest technique which effectively treats the genetic forms of hair loss, or hair loss common after menopause.
The therapy is also known as red light therapy which depends on the devices that emit a red light that penetrates deep into the scalp and promotes hair growth. Also, it was observed scientifically that the subjects who were treated with this therapy significantly increased their hair density up to 40%. Best part is, these low level laser devices are portable and you can take it home or anywhere with you.
How much time will it take?
Low level laser therapy requires minimal time commitment only. As a result, improvements were reported in some users after 12 to 26 weeks of use, with reduced hair fall and noticeable hair growth.
4. Hair transplantation
Hair transplantation is a procedure where a strip of scalp is removed from the back of the head and is used to fill in a bald patch. This technique is also known as unit transplantation as it grafts small patches of hair and plants them into different clusters in the area of missing hair.
Moreover, baldness in women occurs in a more diffuse manner, with uniformly thinning all over the head. So hair transplantation treatment is a good option for those who are dealing with baldness problem. Many women nowadays go for this treatment to restructure their hairline. As the treatment would be costly, so not every women can afford it.
How much time will it take?
Normally hair transplants require multiple sessions to create a hairline. Similarly, it might take one month or more to get a positive outcome.
5. Off-label finasteride
Finasteride is a medication suggested for those women who wishes to re-grow hair on her scalp. Finasteride is not approved by FDA due to which it is termed as off-label but proves to be efficient in reducing the hair loss. All the results were proved in clinical trials. Moreover, no adverse reactions were noted in women receiving finasteride.
If a woman has female pattern hair loss and elevated androgen levels then she can go for this treatment. Treatment slows further hair loss and provides about 30% improvement in hair growth also.
How much time will it take?
It might take round about 6 months to get new hair on the scalp. This treatment is effective but persists only as long as the drug is taken.
6. Nutritional supplements
Many nutritional supplements are available in the market and are prescribed by doctors at menopause to control hair loss. These supplements claims to treat androgenetic alopecia for women in menopause or whose estrogen and/or progesterone are lacking. These supplements contain Biotin, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin B6, B12 etc.
Once you start taking these supplements, it’s likely your hair will return, if not in full then at least to some degree. These supplements work internally for the hormones and fill up all the deficiencies within the body. Once the body requirement is fulfilled, you may find your hair begins to thicken and re-grow after several months.
How much time will it take?
It may take as little as four weeks or as long as six months to see re-growth and hair may have a different texture when it grows back after menopausal shifts but, it will grow back.
Bottom Line
There are so many reasons why hair fall starts after menopause and so are the treatments available for it. Of course there is no need to take stress for if you are loosing your hair. Instead, you can treat them with the possible therapy. For this, now you can find and choose the best treatment that comforts you and suits your budget as well.
I loved my hair a lot. I always took great care of my hair from my teenage. I started losing the texture and volume as the menopause started. I did all I can but it’s not working. These treatments just add up to worsen the conditions.
I was losing a lot of hair from last 2 months. I didn’t know this was due to menopause. This Post helped me a lot. I was switching from one shampoo to other but nothing helped. Thanks, for sharing.
Avoiding harsh chemical based shampoos will help in reducing hair fall.
One of the best ways to prevent hair loss is through stress management. Both emotional and physical stress ca result to hair loss. So control stress.
It was really helpful post thanks for sharing.
It mainly happens because of the imbalance in the production of the hormones, Mainly Estrogen and progesterone. I would really advise not to use alcohol cause that can also accelerate hair fall. Stress is also a common reason, I have gone thorough the phase and in my case the major reason was stress.