What Causes Hair Thinning and Balding During Menopause?
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Many women are troubled by hair fall and thinning of hair around their menopause. It can be quite a distressing issue indeed. This thinning of hair leading to even bald patches in some during menopause can be attributed to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes and genetic predisposition. But hormonal changes contribute as one of the main triggers. Here are the main causes:
Hormonal fluctuations: During menopause, a woman's body experiences a significant decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, the hormones responsible for promoting hair growth. As a result, the balance between estrogen and testosterone shifts, and the influence of androgens (male hormones) on the hair follicles increases. This hormonal imbalance can lead to hair thinning and miniaturisation of hair follicles, causing hair to become finer and less dense.
Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition plays a role in hair loss and baldness, including during menopause. If there is a family history of androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), it increases the likelihood of experiencing hair thinning and baldness during menopause.
Age-related factors: Apart from hormonal changes, aging itself can contribute to hair thinning. As individuals age, the hair growth cycle slows down, and the rate of hair regeneration decreases. This can result in overall hair thinning and reduced hair volume.
Stress: Menopause is a period of significant physical and emotional changes, which can lead to increased stress levels. Stress can contribute to hair loss or exacerbate existing hair thinning conditions.
Nutritional deficiencies: Nutritional imbalances, especially deficiencies in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health (such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D), can contribute to hair thinning and loss during menopause.
It's worth noting that not all women experience hair thinning or baldness during menopause, and the extent of hair loss can vary widely. If you're concerned about hair changes during menopause, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist who can provide personalised guidance and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions.
