Questions and Answers About Hair and Menopause

I was talking to a friend a few days ago who remarked that she is concerned that her hair is falling off of her head and growing on her chin. As she tried to make light of her situation, I noticed a bit of concern in her eyes as she laughed off the suggestion that menopause is cursing her life. For many women, hair loss during and after menopause causes issues with self-confidence and affects the ability to think positively of their appearance.

What causes menopausal hair loss?

Changing hormone concentrations, mainly progesterone and estrogen, are to blame for thinning hair of the head and thickening facial hair. Known as androgenic alopecia, hair thinning is experienced by almost half of women by age fifty. To further complicate matters, a condition known as hirsutism causes an increase in facial hair growth during the same time period.

Are only hormones to blame?

While it may seem like an easy explanation, hormones aren't the only reason thinning hair occurs. Stress and fatigue may also lead to hair loss. When combined with the mood swings of menopause, trying to keep it together can be difficult. Talk with your doctor to get tips and ideas for monitoring your stress levels during menopause.

Are there any treatment options?

There are several prescription medications available for treating menopausal hair concerns. Low-dose estrogens, metformin, and steroids are all options that your doctor can discuss with you. Rogaine is also a possibility and can be purchased over-the-counter for a reasonable price. Discuss using Rogaine to treat your hair loss with your doctor as noted side effects have occurred with using products containing minoxidil.

If excess facial hair is your concern, discuss with your doctor about the treatment options available. For many women, simply using home depilatory creams and waxes can be enough to control growth. If you notice that your facial hair growth is severe, mention this to your doctor. There are some endocrine conditions that cause hirsutism, and these need to be evaluated by a licensed health care provider.

Going through menopause has a host of challenges to be faced, and hair loss is no exception. If hair loss or facial hair growth is a concern that you have, make an appointment to discuss these issues with your doctor. Of course, as always, remember that you are not alone in your journey through menopause.