Although loss of hair is more common amongst the male gender with many men losing their hair as early as in their twenties, the occurrence is also prevalent in women in a lesser degree. Women are known to experience hair loss in several phases of their life such as pregnancy and menopause. The genetic constitution of an individual and contraction of certain illnesses could also aggravate the condition. Rise in hair loss and thinning of hair in general is identified as one of the early signs of approaching menopause.

As in the case of other symptoms related to menopause, this sign is also related to the hormonal fluctuations triggered by menopause. During this part of a woman’s life, her body experiences a drastic decline in the level of the hormone called estrogen, thereby resulting in a hormonal imbalance between androgen (male hormone) and estrogen. The hormone belonging to the androgen group that is affected in particular is testosterone. The level of this hormone is known to rise with the decrease in the level of estrogen.

Testosterone is the fundamental hormone that triggers hair loss amongst men. With its elevation in the body of a female, it generates a similar effect amongst this gender as well. The process of hair loss involves testosterone uniting with the enzyme, Alpha5 reductase to form dihyrotestosterone (DHT), which is the main substance that results in loss of hair.

Once menopause is established, the ovaries end up synthesizing relatively higher proportions of androgens in contrast to estrogen that aggravates the condition of hair loss further. However, all women do not necessarily undergo hair loss or thinning of hair during menopause.

There are many women who opt for hormone therapy treatment (HRT) in order to minimize the discomfort caused by menopause in the form of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disorders, temperamental changes and sensitive skin. The therapy is known to aid in the reduction of hair loss as well, owing to the fact that it involves an elevation in the levels of estrogen, thereby balancing the testosterone levels.

Another treatment for hair loss from menopause is the intake of a medicine called spironolactone. This drug also works by generating a hormonal balance by reducing the secretion of androgens in the body.

Some of the other ways in which one can decrease menopausal hair loss include gently massaging the scalp while shampooing the hair in order to enhance the blood flow to the hair roots; conditioning the hair with good quality conditioner or natural products such as henna that guards the hair against excessive breakage; eating a well balanced diet that is rich in foods like fish, liver, dairy products, eggs, poultry, meat, leafy vegetables, orange juice, avocado, beets and broccoli; maintain a short hair style or have a layered hair cut for better volume, and avoid using hot hair dryers, hair straighteners, hair dyes, tints and bleaches as these tend to damage the hair further.

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