Ah, the unavoidable journey of menopause. While it's a natural part of a woman's life, the rollercoaster ride of hormonal fluctuations can bring about a slew of changes, some more obvious than others. We're well aware of the infamous hot flushes and sleepless nights, but what about the often-overlooked impact on our hair?
Picture this: your once luscious locks now feel thinner, lacklustre, and dry. What's to blame, you wonder? It's none other than our hormone powerhouses, estrogen, and progesterone. These dynamic duos play a pivotal role in dictating our hair's growth cycle, scalp health, and those precious natural oils that give our mane that enviable sheen.
In the lead-up to menopause, a phase aptly dubbed perimenopause, estrogen levels play a mercurial dance, leaving you with a love-hate relationship with your hair. One day, you're embracing the voluminous glory, the next, lamenting its lacklustre appearance.
Let's delve deeper. One of the primary concerns during this time is hair thinning. Blame it on the disrupted estrogen-DHT balance, especially if you've got a family history of hair thinning. You might notice a widening parting, a receding hairline, or overall thinning across your scalp. And it's not just about quantity but quality too. With age, the follicle takes a hit, producing finer strands and diminishing that beloved density.
If that's not enough, there's the issue of dryness and dullness. As estrogen takes a nosedive, so does the production of sebum, leaving your scalp parched and your hair crying out for hydration. No wonder it's more prone to breakage and lacks that once-enviable shine.
But fear not… There are solutions to be found! Hormone replacement therapy could be an option, but a consultation with your GP is a must. There are also topical remedies, like the acclaimed Mediceuticals Collagen, designed to invigorate hair growth by nourishing those follicles and banishing the troublesome DHT.
Ever heard of Low-Level Light Therapy? It's a non-invasive, side-effect-free way to boost your hair growth game, whether you choose to indulge in a salon session or opt for a convenient home device.
And let's not forget the basics. A well-rounded diet, a regular exercise routine, and a scalp care regimen can work wonders too. Look for SLS-free products that cleanse your scalp without stripping it of its natural oils, keeping dryness and irritation at bay.
But with all this information floating around, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed. Don't fret! Book yourself an appointment with an Aderans Trichologist for some personalised guidance and a solid action plan. They'll help you navigate through the sea of advice, ensuring you find the right solutions for your menopausal hair concerns.
