What changes can you see in your hair when menopause arrives?

The transition to menopause occurs between 45 and 55 years oldwith the average age being 51.4 years, according to INE data. And during this period, many women experience both physical and emotional changes. Surely you link it to hot flashes, night sweats or headaches, but did you know that it can also affect your hair? To cite just one hair problem: there are women who see how their hair increases. hair loss. Regarding this last point, 65% of Spanish women are worried about suffer from alopecia or hair lossaccording to the latest study carried out by Svenson, a leading hair health company.

“Around the age of 40, women can begin to experience hair problems or worsen those they already have. On the one hand, the passage of time causes hair density to decrease, making hair thinner and more brittle. And on the other hand, hormonal changes in women influence their loss,” he explains. Ignacio Sevillamedical director of Svenson.

Hair, another victim of menopause

Match Ilda RodriguezSvenson’s medical coordinator, who points out that hair is often affected during menopause due to hormonal changes that occur at this stage. “The significant decrease in estrogenwhich influence the hair cycle, causes greater hair fragility, loss of density and a greater risk of hair loss. These changes, added to natural aging, cause the hair to suffer noticeably during menopause,” he says.

But what are women especially worried about in relation to their hair when they face menopause? “Questions include concerns about increased hair loss, volume loss and diffuse thinning of hair, especially in the upper area of ​​the scalp. Other common concerns are dry and brittle hairas well as changes in the texture and general appearance of the hair,” says Dr. Rodríguez, who adds that many women also seek information on treatments to stop hair loss and improve hair health during this stage.

Are hormonal changes to blame?

Experts cite, and not surprisingly, the role of hormones. Once again we have to talk about them when we refer to menopause, as it is a time in which there is a significant decrease in estrogen levels, which impacts various physiological processes, including the hair life cycle. “Estrogens play an important role in the hair growth phase (anagen), so its reduction can shorten this phase and promote hair loss or thinning,” says Dr. Sevilla.

But, furthermore, although the testosterone levels They also decrease with age, they do so more slowly compared to estrogen, which generates a relative hormonal imbalance. How does it affect us? This hormonal imbalance can increase the influence of androgens on hair follicles, contributing to androgenetic alopecia in some women. In such a way that this phenomenon reflects the complex hormonal balance that affects the hair cycle at this stage of life.

“Hormonal imbalances During menopause, especially the drop in estrogen, shortens the hair growth phase and weakens hair follicles, which can lead to further loss of hair density and hair loss. The relative increase in the influence of androgens can favor the miniaturization of the follicles and cause the progressive hair thinning. In addition, the lower production of sebum on the scalp makes the hair drier, more fragile and susceptible to breakage,” says Dr. Rodríguez.

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Symptoms that alert us to a hair problem during menopause

As Dr. Rodríguez explains to us, some signs that may indicate a hair problem during menopause include a increased hair loss, thinner and more fragile hair, loss of density in diffuse areas or more noticeable on the top of the scalp, and dry and dull hair. These are signs that the hair is being affected by hormonal changes.

“In addition, the possible appearance of a delayed hairline accompanied by loss of sideburns, tail of the eyebrow and continued itching are signs that should put us on alert and go to a specialist,” he adds.

It is advisable to use moisturizing and nourishing shampoos and conditioners, designed for fragile or dry hair, avoiding aggressive products.

How should we take care of our hair during menopause?

• Dr. Rodríguez explains to us that to take care of your hair during menopause it is essential to opt for a gentle hair care routine that helps preserve your health. “It is advisable to use moisturizing and nourishing shampoos and conditioners, designed for fragile or dry hair, avoiding aggressive products. It is also important to avoid excessive use of heat (straighteners, dryers) and chemical products that can further damage the hair,” he says.
• On the other hand, he adds that maintain a balanced dietrich in essential nutrients such as biotin, iron, zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids, also contributes to improving hair health. Likewise, consulting a specialist is essential to evaluate appropriate treatments depending on the type of hair loss.
• And we cannot lose sight of the fact that physical or emotional stress It can cause loss of half to three quarters of the hair on the scalp. For this reason, it is important to do physical exercise to control it, such as yoga or meditation.
• Furthermore, experts point out that the hair care during styling It is also essential to delay its fall. Combs with wide, separate teeth should be used and massage the scalp, thus stimulating its circulation. At the same time, we must avoid harmful products, such as aggressive shampoos or dyes, hair straighteners, dryers or prolonged exposure to the sun.
• The doctor also adds other recommendations such as use of drugs such as minoxidil and infiltrated treatments such as hair mesotherapy or the use of the laser helmet to improve scalp microcirculation. In any case, it emphasizes the importance of “making a combination, complementing specific treatments for hair loss along with food supplements that provide nutrients for hair formation.”

Finally, Svenson experts confirm that after menopause, hair changes are experienced and, therefore, the hair can change and become thinner, drier and more fragile and even give rise to a type of scarring alopecia, the so-called frontal alopecia. fibrosing, which mostly affects the postmenopausal women and produces permanent hair loss, although today there are drugs and treatments carried out by professionals to try to maintain hair density as much as possible.