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[H17]Hair Loss In Menopause

by Kathlene Capelle, Kat

Menopause is one of the most common causes of female hair loss and one of the least happily endured symptom. Female hair loss can be pretty devastating to any woman in today's modern society, which emphasizes the importance of an attractive hairdo. Just think on the thriving multi-billion dollar in the hair care industry and the numerous advertisements on shampoo, styling products and hair loss treatments.

Like childbirth, menopause is a natural occurring state for women and - also like childbirth - the changes manifested in the body can be traumatic. Women begin menopause between the ages of 30 and 70, with most beginning between the mid 40s and mid 50s. However, menopause can occur unnaturally, that is, after surgery or medical treatment. In this case, the symptoms may be much more severe and female hair loss is much more likely.

Female hair loss is not a guaranteed symptom of menopause. It is less common than, for example, hot flashes and mood changes. Women experience female hair loss to varying degrees and some don't experience at all.

Exactly what causes hair loss is still not clear. But many experts have said that the most common cause is androgenetic alopecia or genetic balding. This refers to a genetic process whereby individual hair follicles metabolizes the sex hormone testosterone. Menopausal women experiencing hair loss experience a higher rate of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. It is the effect of DHT on hair follicles that results in heair loss.

In the same respect, women who have abnormally high levels of male sex hormones can also experience thinning of scalp hair. Signs that these women display include plenty of body and facial hair, abnormal menstrual patterns and enlarged clitoris.

In addition, factors like anemia, thyroid disorders, fungal infections and stressful life situations can cause hair loss in menopausal women.

In the same way that female hair loss shows itself as a manifestation about three months after the originating cause begins, so too does female hair loss take about three months to show the effects of treatment. Estrogenic treatments like soy isoflavones or hormone replace therapies, will need to be implemented for about three months before you can determine whether or not it's working for you.

How negative a menopausal woman feels towards her hair loss differs from individual to individual. In situations where it affects her quality of life and self esteem, it is best to address the problem quickly. A proper evaluation by a professional for causes of hair loss is necessary to determine the underlying medical conditions and an appropriate course of treatment that produce the condition.

It is something that most men-and even some women-have to deal with at some point in their lives. There are many myths and facts concerning hair loss--but just what is fact and what is fiction? Is hair loss only genetic, and how do you know if you're more likely to go bald? The questions that you've always been afraid to ask are perhaps the most important ones of all.

Hereditary Hype

The myths about hair loss begin with one that boys begin hearing in their teen years: you are more likely to go bald if the men on your mother's side of the family are bald. Though this is true to an extent, the statement can be somewhat misleading.

Not all hair loss is hereditary. There are many different causes of baldness; however, permanent-pattern baldness is caused by genetics. Permanent-pattern baldness is most commonly found in males-in fact, it is the most common cause of hair loss in males. The earlier men begin to lose their hair, the more receding their hairline will eventually become. On average, men with permanent-pattern baldness begin noticing hair loss around the age of 24; however, it can begin as early as the teenage years and is almost always seen by age 35.

Permanent-pattern hair loss is not only restricted to men. In some cases, women can develop female-pattern baldness. This results in the thinning of the hair all over the scalp.

So is the myth about the men on the mother's side of the family true, or not? Well, it is true to a degree. Studies done on the statement indicate that there is a correlation, but in the end the genes on both sides of the family play a role.

Not Just Genetic

Genes are not the only cause of hair loss. Other causes might include: stress, illness, surgery, hormones, and medicine. In these cases, it is often possible to avoid or stop hair loss by contacting your doctor. He or she will be able to identify what is ultimately causing you to lose your hair and help you take steps to stop it.

Thanks A Lot, Dad!

You can inherit many positive attributes from your parents, like their eyes, smile, or athletic ability. However, one thing you might not be happy about inheriting is baldness. However, until a treatment is developed for permanent-pattern baldness, genetic hair loss is just that-permanent!

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About Author

Both Kathlene Capelle & Brian Welsch are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Kathlene Capelle has sinced written about articles on various topics from Women, Acne Treatment and Hair Care. Kathelene Capelle writes on acne treatment, natural acne remedy, eczema, dry skin care and massage oils. Get skin care recipes that you can easily prepare from your kitchen! Read them all at. Kathlene Capelle's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.

Brian Welsch has sinced written about articles on various topics from Engagement Rings, Backpain and Cancer Prostate. For more information about from Brian Welsch check. Brian Welsch's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.