The most noticeable symptoms of menopause in hair are dryness and hair loss, and this is because, at this stage, hair weakens and becomes brittle.
The hormonal deficit that occurs during menopause also affects our hair, making it thinner and drier. You will notice that it loses shine and strength. This is because, from the age of 50, the fragility of the hair leads to it starting to fall out. However, if the hair loss is very significant, we recommend that you go to a specialist as it may be due to other factors.
What factors can affect our hair?
Poor care: the use of dyes, excessive heat (straightening irons and hairdryers), unsuitable shampoos… It is necessary to know our hair, know what type of dyes we should use and always support them with hydration treatments. The daily use of a hairdryer, curling irons or hair straighteners can make it brittle if we do not apply a heat protector properly before each use. Likewise, using a shampoo that is not indicated for our hair type can have a disastrous effect on our hair. Get advice from professionals and always choose the best products for your scalp type.
Stress: It has an effect on our entire body and, of course, on our hair as well. It is relatively easy to identify when it comes to stress, as episodes of increased hair loss usually occur coinciding with peaks of stress.
Genetic inheritance : our genes will determine whether we will have more or less hair, the propensity for hair loss, etc.
Bad eating habits : a diet lacking in minerals and vitamins will also affect our hair health.
Diseases: Some diseases and thyroid disorders can also influence the quality of our hair.
How does menopause affect our hair?
During menopause, a hormonal imbalance occurs, characterized by a drop in estrogen , which directly influences hair density. This is why one of the things we notice most about our hair during menopause is how thin it becomes.
And possibly also:
Dry and brittle hair : during menopause, both our skin and hair become dry, especially in the cold. You may have had oily hair and when menopause comes, you inexplicably find that it is dry, rough, unmanageable and easily frizzy.
Less shine: This is due to both the lack of hydration we mentioned earlier and the loss of hair pigmentation (which begins with the appearance of grey hair).
Change in texture : You may notice that your hair is losing curls or even becoming wavy. Either way, you will notice changes in its shape.
Hair loss: you may notice this especially at the beginning of menopause, after summer and in spring. This is because the concentration of estrogen in the blood decreases when menopause arrives, causing hair to become weaker and begin to fall out. This does not affect all women in the same way and certainly does not cause total alopecia, but rather the appearance of somewhat sparse areas, a receding hairline and greater hair fragility.
Grey hair: This appears when melanocytes stop producing melanin (colour pigments). This is not only due to genetics, but also to stress. This is why many young women have grey hair, while others get it when they reach menopause.
What about gray hair?
Gray hair, also known as grey hair or white hair, is hair that has lost its natural pigment and has taken on a white or silvery hue. As we age, the cells that produce the hair pigment, called melanin, begin to decrease their activity. This leads to gradual loss of color in the hair and the appearance of gray hair.
For this reason, they are more frequent after the age of 30 and 40 and one of the main causes of their appearance is aging.
Genetics also play a role in the earlier or earlier appearance of gray hair, but there are other factors that can contribute to gray hair, such as chronic stress, certain medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and smoking. It has also been observed that a lack of vitamin B12 and the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the hair follicle can play a role in hair whitening.
How can you combat these effects on your hair?
Eat a balanced diet: increase the frequency with which you eat vegetables, whole grains, legumes, unsaturated fats (EVOO, etc.), skimmed dairy products and fish instead of meat. Avoid eating ultra-processed foods such as sausages or fried foods, reduce your consumption of sugar and animal fats. Avoid toxic habits such as alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in vitamins A and B, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium and zinc will help you keep your hair in good condition.
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements rich in vitamin E or iron improves hair hydration and texture, preventing breakage.
Protect your hair from heat and sun : If you are going to use a hairdryer, curling iron, hair straightener or any other instrument that involves subjecting your hair to high temperatures, it is best to use a heat protector first. In the case of summer, especially, it is very important to use sunscreen for your hair, just as you do for your skin.
Protect it from external agents : both in summer with caps and in winter with hats, protecting your hair from inclement weather and temperatures (both high and low) will help you improve the condition of your hair.
Don't overuse dyes : seek professional advice on what type of shampoo and products you should use based on your scalp type.
Exercise regularly : Physical activity is good for blood flow because it activates hair follicles, facilitating the growth of stronger hair. We suggest different activities: walking, running, Zumba classes, swimming...
Scalp massages: like exercise, they stimulate blood flow and will help your hair grow thicker and stronger.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!