How to Reverse Hair Loss Associated With Menopause

Menopause causes hair loss for several different reasons. A decrease in the production of estrogen and other hormonal changes in the body can have this effect. Decreased thyroid function during menopause can result in hair loss as well. When experiencing hair loss during menopause, there are several things you can do to treat the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamins (Biotin, B-Complex, Vitamin A, Folic Acid)
• Satin Scarf
• Oil-based moisturizer
• Olive oil
• Rogaine for Women or Propecia (optional)

Instructions

1. Take vitamin supplements. Along with estrogen pills, add Biotin, B-Complex, Folic Acid, Vitamin A and Iron to your daily vitamin regimen. These vitamins increase hair growth and prevent hair loss by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and promoting healthy hair growth.

2. Moisturize your hair twice a day with an oil-based moisturizer. Alcohol-based products cause dryness that can lead to more breakage and shedding. Keeping your hair properly moisturized will help maintain the health of your hair and will aid in the reduction of hair loss. If using a grease-based moisturizer, moisturize your hair and not your scalp so that you don't clog the pores.

3. Massage your scalp with olive oil. Do this every day. Olive oil unclogs the pores so that new hair isn't prevented from growing. Pour a few drops of olive oil in your hand. Rub your hands together to get the oil to distribute evenly. Use your palms and the ball of your fingers to gently massage your scalp for about 5 minutes. This also increases blood flow to the scalp.

4. Tie your hair down at night with a satin scarf. The satin scarf will protect it from the drying effect of cotton pillow cases. During the night, your hair rubs up against the pillowcase, which causes it to shed.

5. Restrict the usage of heated tools on your hair. Try not to use curling irons, blow dryers, flat irons or any other heated tool on your hair more than once a week. When using one of these devices, use heat-protecting products to protect your hair from damage.

6. Try hair replacement and restoration products. Products like Rogaine for Women and Propecia restore hair loss for many women. The products are topical and can take a few months for results to show.

Tips & Warnings

• Hair growth has a lot to do with what goes on inside the body, which is why hair loss occurs from bodily changes associated with menopause. Change your diet to include lots of leafy vegetables and lean proteins.

• Drink more than 8 glasses of water a day.

• Get at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week.

References

• "Harvard Medical School A Woman's Guide to Hair Loss and Excess Hair"; Sandy Tsao M.D., Julie Corliss, and Scott Leighton; 2009
• "Hair Rules!: The Ultimate Hair-Care Guide for Women with Kinky, Curly, or Wavy Hair"; Anthony Dickey; 2003