Is your hair menopausal?
Hormonal changes can cause more than just brain fog and hot flushes
There are more than 30 different symptoms associated with the menopause, affecting everything from our mood to our hair. In fact, menopausal hair loss and thinning are incredibly common — around 40% of women will experience some form of hair loss as their hormone levels fluctuate*. The good news is that there’s plenty you can do about it.
HOW DOES MENOPAUSE AFFECT YOUR HAIR?
First, the science bit. In the lead up to menopause, our levels of oestrogen, the hormone that keeps hair in the growth phase for longer, naturally start to decline. At the same time, production of androgens (often described as the ‘male’ hormones) increases, which causes hair follicles to shrink. It’s this combination that can lead to slower hair growth, thinning and hair loss.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSAL HAIR?
The average age for women to experience menopause in the UK is 51. However, perimenopause — the period when your body starts the transition — can start in our early 40s, and symptoms can be so gradual that we don’t always recognise them. Signs you could be experiencing menopausal changes to your hair include a loss of volume, a noticeably thinner ponytail, a wider parting, a more visible scalp around the crown, brittleness and breakage.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
If you are experiencing hair thinning alongside other symptoms, such as night sweats and low mood, speak to your doctor. If they confirm that you are menopausal, they can offer treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as well as suggesting lifestyle changes.
Using targeted haircare products, such as Plantur39 Shampoo and Tonic, can also support your hair. Plantur39 Phyto-caffeine Shampoo contains a blend of caffeine, zinc and niacinamide, which activates hair from the roots. For a hit of these hair-boosting ingredients, massage the shampoo into your scalp, leave for two minutes, then rinse. Between washes, refresh hair with Plantur39 Phyto-caffeine Tonic, a daily leave-in treatment.