Hair Loss After Menopause
A third of women experience the thinning of hair or formation of bald spots after their menopausal stage. This phase in a woman's life is characterized by changes, which also affects the physiology of women. As a result, hormonal imbalances can occur that can lead to hair loss after menopause. The thinning of hair can be alleviated by various measures.
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Facts
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Menopause is a term that refers to the end of the menstrual cycle. It is a natural process in women and is not considered a medical condition. It usually happens around the age of 50 but can take place sooner. The symptoms vary in different women and can be influenced by factors such as race, health and age. A common symptom of menopause is loss of hair. It can be caused by a low thyroid function, a common condition among menopausal women.
Cause
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After the occurrence of menopause, the body produces significantly less amounts of estrogen, the female hormone. Estrogen limits the effects of testosterone also produced by the woman's body. After menopause, the testosterone can combine with an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase and create a hormone called DHT. DHT is attributed as the cause of female pattern baldness. Another factor that can influence the loss of hair after menopause is a low thyroid function.
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Stress
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Stress can be a factor in hair loss after menopause. Too much of it can speed up or exacerbate the problem of thinning hair. When the body is exposed to stress, insulin and other chemicals in the body can yield an overproduction of androgen, which is a type of male hormone that can stop hair from growing on the head. Research indicates that relaxation techniques and sufficient sleep can help decrease the effects of menopause on the hair.
Diet
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There are several methods that can be used to prevent hair loss after menopause. One of these is the use of a proper diet to increase the amounts of estrogen in the body. Women who experience hair loss after menopause should consume plenty of soy and yams because they encourage the production of estrogen. In addition, increase your intake of the vitamin B complex, zinc and biotin. Foods that contain these nutrients are broccoli, collard greens, apricots and melons.
Medication
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Hair loss caused by menopause can be prevented through the prescription of estrogen doses. Treatment is done in the short-term, usually spanning only several months. The increase of estrogen limits DHT and addresses the effects of menopause-caused balding. Other options include the use of the drug Minoxidil, which is used to promote hair growth, and steroids in low doses. Medications usually have noticeable effects after they have been used for at least three months.
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