Menopause and Hair loss

There are some links between these two . A lower thyroid function level for instance is reasonably common in women a the time or after menopause. Some women fin d that they are specially stressed at this time and this can affect your hair as can coming off the birth control pill and the use of other medications such as those for high blood pressure and antidepressants. Another cause may be self induced in that excessive dieting can cause hair loss as the body tries to cope with a new situation. Diet sensibly if you feel the need, but don’t overdo it. Because hair loss is gradual it may be that something that happened some months ago is causing the hair loss that you now notice. I t also means that if the hair loss is due to some temporary problem it will be months before you notice  regrowth, if that is going to happen,. The commonest cause of hair loss at this time though is heredity. If your mother or grandmother experienced diffuse female pattern hair loss then it is likely that you will too.

When progesterone levels fall as a result of lack of ovulation, the body responds by producing more androstenedione. Progesterone  supplements will bring things back to normal and your hair loss should recover. However hair grows very slowly and this speed decreases further as we age. If in doubt consult a doctor. He or she can at least eliminate serious problems as the cause.

There is a ray of hope – many women who experience hair loss during the peri-menopausal period, find that things return to normal once they are post – menopausal.