Menopause brings about a large number of physical and psychological changes among women. Menopause hair loss is quite common with as many as 50 percent of women experiencing some degree of hair loss particularly during their menopause period. In the post menopause period many women experience bald spots and thinning of hair.

Menopause hair loss occurs after the estrogen production declines rapidly and it is seen in women with noticeable pattern baldness. Before menopause the estrogen in a woman’s system protects her from the testosterone which is produced in small quantities. As the women enters menopause the production of testosterone combines with a certain enzyme called alpha reductase and this leads to creation of DHT which is responsible for this female pattern baldness.

Menopause hair loss is therefore hair loss along with an overall thinning of hair. This can make women feel as if they are losing their femininity. Such a hair loss can further increase the depression and anxiety that women experience. For women experiencing this hair loss it is advisable to use soft brushes instead of using combs. Likewise use of hair spray should be avoided. It is instead advisable to use a soft gel or mousse for washing hair and this can give additional body to the hair without damaging it. It is also advisable to cut the hair in a style with short layers as this adds body and fullness to the hair.

Hair thinning in women going through menopause affects not only the hair on the scalp but body hair as well. Some women do not go through menopause hair loss or hair thinning problems and the reasons for this are not entirely known. Hormone replacement therapy is often used by women to tackle the severe symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, mood swings, and lack of sleep and night sweats among others. Hormone replacement therapy works by raising the levels of estrogen and so this can also be an effective treatment for menopause hair loss.

Another way to treat menopause hair loss is to reduce the production of testosterone within the ovaries and the adrenal glands and this is done by a prescription drug called spironolactone. With reduced production of testosterone the production of the damaging DHT is also reduced and therefore the hair loss reduces. Having a healthy diet is extremely important to reduce the hair loss problem. Eating plenty of liver, fish, eggs, meat, dairy products for the essential nutrients is crucial. Vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin A are also important and these should be taken.

Leafy vegetables, avocado and broccoli are excellent sources of folic acid and so should be consumed. Avoid using hot dryers or hair straighteners that use heat. Also avoid treating hair with dyes and bleaches. In extreme cases hair replacement surgery can be an option. Where hair replacement surgery is not a feasible option women can choose to use wigs or hair extensions.