It can be normal for a woman over 40 to experience changes related to peri-menopause and menopause, including noticeable hair loss or thinning. Although this is a common issue that affects many women in this stage of life, it’s also one that comes with sadness—sadness for the loss of what once was and perhaps even fear about what could come next. But here’s something important to remember: there are solutions available that can help you manage your changing hormones while managing your hair shedding and/or thinning won’t stop you from feeling confident, beautiful, and powerful. Let’s take a look at why hair loss is happening during menopause and explore some options for effectively treating it.
Understanding the Hormonal Changes
As we age, our hormone levels naturally change, particularly in estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining the health and fullness of our hair, which is why women with thick hair tend to experience less thinning in earlier stages of life.
However, for women with naturally thin hair or those experiencing increased thinning during this time, it can be quite distressing. It’s important to keep in mind that some hair changes are common during perimenopause and menopause, which typically occur between the ages of 35 and the late forties to mid-fifties.
The Role of Thyroid Health
Hormones play a pivotal role in the health of our hair. However, it’s not just hormones like thyroid hormones that impact its condition. Unfortunately, many women are not receiving adequate testing to address potential thyroid-related issues. As we age, thyroid hormone levels naturally decline, but some women may experience a more rapid or severe decrease.
It is crucial to check for autoimmune thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s, which are becoming increasingly common. A comprehensive thyroid panel, including tests for T4, T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies, provides a comprehensive understanding of thyroid function. Hypothyroidism, characterized by underactive thyroid function, is often associated with hair loss.
Understanding your numbers is the first crucial step.
Working alongside a functional medicine practitioner can help you effectively interpret and comprehend your hormone and thyroid levels. We can then create an individualized plan to restore and enhance hair health based on your specific needs.
Identifying Nutrient Deficiencies
Proper hair health relies on a range of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (especially biotin) and iron. Deficiencies in these nutrients can contribute to hair loss. Nutrition not only plays a vital role in maintaining hair health but also contributes to the well-being of your skin and nails. It is important to identify any potential deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
For instance, iron deficiency is often a concern for women experiencing heavier bleeding during perimenopause. Conducting a complete iron panel is necessary to evaluate iron stores and utilization accurately.
When it comes to addressing nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and lifestyle factors related to stress, it’s a good idea to seek guidance from a knowledgeable practitioner. They can help you navigate the process and create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs.
Get to the Roots
Losing hair can be distressing, but hey, there’s hope for improvement! I went through a phase of drastic hair thinning a few years ago, but I started addressing the root cause. I focused on things like gut health and making sure I had all the necessary nutrients. Guess what? Over time, I gradually started seeing improvements.
It’s important to figure out what’s causing your hair loss. It could be something like thyroid issues, wonky hormones, or even nutrient deficiencies. If you get some comprehensive lab testing done, it can give you some real insights into your unique situation.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when hair loss becomes a problem during menopause, and it can be difficult to understand why it’s happening. But if we take the time to look at our body as a whole, and nurture our mental, emotional, and physical health, we can begin to identify the root causes behind this issue. From hormonal imbalances to nutrient deficiencies or thyroid conditions, understanding each layer and addressing them accordingly can help us make great progress in managing our hair loss. It may not happen overnight, but with the right guidance, there is hope for finding relief from this common symptom of peri-menopause and menopause. So if this is something you would like to look into further, I invite you to click the link below and schedule a discovery call – let’s get started on unlocking the answers together!
Are you tired of dealing with thinning hair and other menopause-related symptoms? I understand the challenges and have a tailored solution for you. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a Free Discovery Call. This no-pressure consultation allows us to connect, discuss your concerns, and explore how my approach can positively impact your well-being. Let’s work together to find the right solution for you.
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional
