Many women start to worry about their hair during or after menopause. The sudden changes happening to their bodies can feel shocking and difficult to cope with, especially when it comes to hair as it is such an important aspect of self-identity.
Dealing with thinning hair or hair loss can create a lot of stress and anxiety, so learning more about the menopause can make things a little easier to manage.
Here we look at how menopause can affect your hair and offer some ideas on what you can do to address some of these issues.
What is menopause?
Menopause usually affects women aged between 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier. It occurs when hormone levels start to lower which then causes periods to stop.
Is menopause different from perimenopause?
Perimenopause happens when you experience the symptoms of menopause, but you are still having periods. Menopause is reached when you have not had a period for 12 months.
What causes menopause?
Menopause often occurs naturally, although it can also be because of surgery to remove the uterus or the ovaries. It can also happen following chemotherapy treatment for cancer or due to genetics. There are also cases where the reason remains unknown.
How does menopause affect your health?
Menopause and perimenopause can cause people to experience symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety, mood swings and irregular periods. These can start to appear before your periods stop and can sometimes continue afterwards.
The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause are not just physical, as they can also have a big effect on your everyday life.
How does menopause affect your hair?
Research has found that around 40% of women will experience hair loss after menopause. This will affect the entire scalp in more than two-thirds of women. For others, hair loss will be experienced over the front or on the temples.
Why do you lose hair during menopause?
Although research into menopause and how it affects hair is ongoing, it is believed that hair loss is likely caused by changing hormone levels. This is also linked to the fact that your body will produce less oestrogen and progesterone.
What is the best way to look after your hair during perimenopause and menopause?
Because hair loss is nearly always related to hormonal changes in the body, this can cause the hair to become thin and easily breakable. Some ways to tackle this include:
- Using a gentle shampoo and a good quality conditioner. Many people find using natural hair washing products helpful during perimenopause and menopause, as they do not contain the harsh chemicals used in commercial formulas.
- Avoiding hair styles that pull too tightly on the roots of your hair follicles and, where possible, avoid intense hair drying, as this can damage hair shafts which can lead to splitting.
- Protecting hair and scalp by wearing a hat on a sunny day. If you dye your hair, continuing to do this should not cause any issues, as long as the right instructions are followed.
- Trying to manage stress and anxiety levels, as prolonged periods of heightened emotions can also have a negative effect on your hair.
- Eating a well balanced diet and ensure that you have enough iron in your diet and that there is no thyroid imbalance.
Get in touch
At Kartee Salon, we are truly lucky to have amazing customers who love what we do, with some even calling us the best hair salon in Tooting (some have even called us the best hair salon in London!).
If you are experiencing hair loss due to perimenopause, menopause or for any other reason, we always treat the condition with the sensitivity and privacy it deserves.
From helping you find a hairstyle that works for you, to giving you advice about the best products to use for your hair, we’re always here to help and offer advice.
You can also find regular updates on our social channels that offer free, helpful tips and insight into common hair issues: Facebook or Instagram.
You can find us on Colliers Wood Road, SW19 and we are open Monday to Friday, 10-7.30pm (9pm on Thursdays), Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Give us a call on 020 8540 4664 or email hello@kartee.salon and we’d be more than happy to arrange a free hair consultation.
