For many women, our hair is something we control; we cut it, style it and choose how to wear it. It is an expression of ourselves, our personality, femininity, sexuality, and individual sense of style. Hair loss is a condition traditionally associated with men. However, many women experience it as well, particularly during times of hormonal imbalance, such as menopause.
It is normal to lose 50 – 100 hairs each day. These are constantly regenerated by the hair follicles. However, it is possible for a far greater loss of hair to occur, particularly in premenopausal women. Often, hair loss is one of the first symptoms of menopause that a woman notices. Hair loss is one of the most common yet least talked about symptoms of menopause, which can be stressful and devastating for the millions of women who suffer from it. Fortunately, through learning more about how and why it occurs, it is possible to treat hair loss.
Adjusting to permanent hair loss is challenging for most women. Menopausal hair loss can be upsetting and cause anxiety, but is not usually a sign of an underlying medical disorder, unless accompanied by other symptoms. The average age of experiencing menopause is around fifty, and in the months or years leading up to this, some women notice a change in hair pattern. Very commonly, the volume and condition of the hair appears to worsen, with some women noticing that hair does not grow as much as it did previously. Some women will go on to experience a more profound hair loss, with thinning at the crown of the head, the sides, or more general hair thinning all over the head. This is described as Female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
FPHL is very common and increases with age and varies across ethnic groups. Although it can happen at any age, the condition occurs most commonly following the menopause. While the most common cause of hair loss is hormone-related pattern baldness or thinning hair, this does not mean that hormones alone are to blame.
For menopausal women, hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, typically contribute at least some to hair loss. However, there are many other factors that may also play a role in hair loss during menopause, including medical, psychological, or lifestyle triggers. Age itself is a factor, and whilst women can take care of their hair cosmetically, it is one aspect of the aging process we cannot always control. Genetics are important too, and you may notice a family link with both male and female hair loss. Some prescription Medications may also have an influence.
It is important to note, most women who notice hair loss around the time of the menopause do not usually have anything medically wrong. Your doctor may ask you if there were any triggers for the hair loss, such as dietary deficiencies, stressful events, or illness. You will be asked about your medical history to rule out other causes and might be tested for conditions such as anemia, low ferritin, thyroid dysfunction, raised testosterone levels, or skin disorders. If you show signs of hormonal imbalance, such as irregular periods, facial hair growth or new episodes of acne, this may also be tested, to rule out any other possible conditions.
There are cosmetic options for improving the appearance of hair, and medical treatments that can improve hair growth when used long term. If you have other symptoms as well as your hair loss, seek the advice of your doctor. Most women do not want to sit back and let their hair fall out slowly without taking action. Improving general and nutritional health may help slow loss, as well as hormone therapy. Luckily, there are alternative solutions that are safe and effective for the multitudes of women experiencing hair loss.
The Atlantic Center Surgery Hair Restoration Institute offers state-of-the-art services in hair restoration and transplantation. This is a surgical procedure that can rekindle the hope of millions who suffer from hair loss. Our team of doctors, technicians and staff treat every patient as a special individual with an individualized plan.
This surgical procedure is performed with the ability to create natural-looking hair in locations chosen by both the surgeon and the patient. The Atlantic Center will work with you in determining the most effective way to achieve the most desired, natural-looking results. Following medical therapy or an operation, the results of hair restoration are usually seen within 6 months. In emphasis to an undetectable hair transplant, it is both minimally invasive with a small degree of scarring.
If you are a woman experiencing hair loss due to menopause, call Atlantic Center of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at (954) 983-1899 to discuss possible hair transplant or other treatment options. You can also request an appointment online.
