Menopause is inevitable as a woman, and most dread it. The body goes through various changes as you enter menopause, ranging from abnormal bleeding to night sweats — and even hair loss.
If you find yourself losing more hair than usual, it could be related to changes in estrogen levels. Inga Zilberstein, MD, prescribes hormone replacement therapy and offers lifestyle tips and treatments to help you deal with various menopause symptoms, including hair loss, at her office in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.
Menopause causes a shift in hormones, specifically estrogen. The ovaries produce estrogen, which declines in the years leading up to menopause.
As estrogen declines, many changes happen throughout the body. Hair loss is one of the symptoms women experience leading up to and after menopause – but why?
Declining estrogen levels shorten the growth cycle of hair, leading to increased shedding and reduced growth. Many women notice thinning hair around the hairline and on the sides or crown of the head, and others develop bald spots.
Living with hair loss is tough as a woman. Dr. Zilberstein offers the following lifestyle tips that can help you maintain healthy hair.
Your diet plays a crucial role in promoting hair growth and overall hair health. We recommend eating a diet that contains healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins A, B, C, and D. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hair growth and health.
Stress often accompanies menopause and may exacerbate hair loss. Attempting meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practices can help reduce hair loss and other symptoms of menopause.
Drinking plenty of water is another way to thwart menopausal hair loss. Ensure you're drinking enough water every day to improve your overall wellness and maintain healthy hair.
Hair care is crucial when you seem to be losing more hair than you used to. For instance, avoid wearing super-tight hairstyles and using heat to style your hair, both of which can damage healthy hair. It's also a good idea to avoid too many chemicals in hair products.
Sulfates are a form of salt that companies use in many products, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. It may dry out the hair, increasing the chance of breakage. Use sulfate-free products to avoid hair damage.
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, try over-the-counter treatments. Certain medicated shampoos and supplements provide additional nutrients and hydration to promote hair growth and overall hair health.
Hair loss that's resistant to lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products requires professional care. When you meet with Dr. Zilberstein, she discusses your concerns and goals, as well as other menopause symptoms.
If you're a good candidate, Dr. Zilberstein may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to restore the balance of estrogen in your body, which relieves many menopausal symptoms.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that have the same molecular structure as your body's natural ones, which makes them easier on the body with fewer side effects than traditional HRT.
Contact Inga Zilberstein, MD, today to discuss options for managing menopause symptoms, including hair loss, by calling or texting 830-254-5941. You can also send a message through our website.
