After menopause, about 40 percent of women experience hair thinning, which is almost the same rate as men. September is Menopause Awareness Month, so her a re some key facts about how hormonal changes can cause hair loss and thinning and what women can do to treat it.
- Hair loss around menopause is common due to changes in hormone levels and activity, but it cannot be commonly cured with hormone replacement alone.
- Genetic predisposition, unusual levels of stress, hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, crash diets, medications, as well as a history of illness and surgery can also be contributing factors to female hair loss.
- Most women benefit from a combination of pharmaceutical and lifestyle changes in treating their hair loss and thinning. Results are proportional to your level of discipline and compliance with the prescribed regimen.
- Studies have proven that hair loss can have wide-ranging psychological effects on women, including loss of confidence and self-esteem, and in some cases, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal and more.
- Medical treatments to protect and enhance hair follicle functioning may include compounded topical minoxidil Formula 82M, platelet-rich plasma injections, Latisse/Bimatoprost or other prostaglandin analogs, low-level laser therapy, off-label anti-androgens (for post-menopausal women only) and nutritional supplements like Viviscal Professional and pharmaceutical grade biotin.
Alan J. Bauman, M.D., is a top U.S. medical expert on hair science for women and men. He is board certified in hair restoration, a consultant to P&G and other companies, and a frequent medical contributor to the national media. Please visit https://baumanmedical.com/
