Hormones and Your Hair
The lowering of estrogen levels and the low levels found during perimenopause and menopause, respectively, cause changes in hair. Overall, the density of hair reduces and ultimately leads to hair loss on the scalp.
#1 One reason this occurs is due to less hair growth. Hair growth, in simple terms, occurs in a cyclic cycle with a “grow” phase and a “shed” phase. With lowered estrogen levels, the hair follicles tend to be in the “grow” phase for shorter durations and more infrequently.
#2 In addition, the growth rate of hair declines. During the “grow” phase, the hair itself doesn’t grow as efficiently as it did with higher levels of estrogen.
#3 Apart from scalp hair changes, the lack of estrogen causes a decrease in body hair as a whole. An increase in facial hair can also occur due to hormonal imbalance and change.
How to Prevent This?
Due to the hormonal changes occurring during this time, there is no way to completely prevent this process – it’s natural! However there are some ways to help reduce the effect.
- Avoid harsh hair treatments – bleaching, permanent styles, etc.
- Use conditioners and hydration hair treatments to keep the hair well-hydrated.
- See your doctor to check for anemia and thyroid problems, which can contribute to hair loss and hair changes.
- Treat the underlying cause. Check with your doctor if hormone replacement therapy is something you would want to consider.
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It’s Fetch is a community that provides a safe space for members to discuss health and wellness topics. We provide access to archived health related content, note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content shared, regardless of date should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
-Written by Paavana Varanasi
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