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Menopause and Hair Loss
By Cathy Taylor
The onset of menopause can often lead to hair loss and has long been a part
of aging that many women fear the most. These days many more women are
also experiencing thinning and bald spots as they mature, and both men and
women are reaching out for new solutions. Even though there is no real 'cure',
there are many things that can be done to help. Some products claim to help
revive weakened hair roots and promote healthy hair growth.
Both hormones and genes are to blame for menopause causing acute hair
loss, as is the aging process. Confirming the causes of your loss with a
competent and experienced dermatologist is the first step in determining your
best treatment options.
It's possible to have temporary loss of hair caused by physical stress,
emotional stress, thyroid abnormalities, medications and hormonal changes
(such as androgens and estrogens during menopause) normally associated
with females. Tension on the hair by prolonged use of hair weaving or corn
rows can also cause permanent loss.
There are autoimmune disorders such as Alopecia Areata that cause patchy
loss of hair often in small circular areas in different areas of the scalp. Alopecia
Totalis is a total loss of hair on the scalp and is considered an advanced form
of Areata. Alopecia Universalis is total hair loss of the entire body. People with
diseases such as diabetes and lupus have also reported losing hair as a
result.
It's normal to shed some hair each day as about 90 percent of the hair on your
scalp is growing at any one time during a normal phase that lasts for 2 to 6
years at one time. Some women notice they are losing hair about 3 months
after delivering a child. This is related to a hormone loss and is usually
temporary.
Several medicines have been known to cause hair loss such as blood
thinners (anticoagulants), medicines used for gout and in chemotherapy to
treat cancer. Also, the use of vitamin A, birth control pills and antidepressants
has been known to cause hair loss.
Male pattern baldness is usually inherited from your genes. An over
abundance of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is an
active form of testosterone, within the hair follicle can create this type of hair
loss. Current medications are aimed at slowing this common type of baldness
including Minoxidil which is commonly called and is available without a
prescription. Both men and women can apply this product to the scalp.
Another medicine, Finasteride, and called Propecia is available in pill form
without prescription but is meant only for men. It can take up to 6 months in
order to tell if these medications are helping.
Remember, the onset of menopause can often lead to hair loss and has long
been a part of aging that many women and men fear the most. Even though
there is no real cute, there are many things that can be done to help. Select
the Hair Loss Doc Shop to locate a doctor
near you.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not
intended as medical advice.
About the Author
Cathy writes frequently on mid-life issues for women and men particularly menopause, and a copy of her book can be found at http://www.howtoconquermenopause.com
To read a sample of this book go to http://www.everythingmenopause.com/currentissue.html
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/8923.html
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