Sarah [00:00:00]:
Welcome to Mister Menopause on the radio. Here to guide you through the journey of menopause with compassion and expertise is award winning menopause educator, author, speaker and your host Tafiq Akir, also known as Mister menopause. Get ready to be informed, empowered and inspired. Now let's dive in.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:00:21]:
Welcome back to Mister Menopause on the radio. It's Tafika Kir, Mister Menopause here. And today we're tackling a topic that many women find concerning during their menopause journey. And that is hair loss. Now if you've noticed more hair in your brush or your drain, you're not alone. So let's explore the connection between menopause and hair loss and what you can do about it. Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, marking the end of menstrual cycles and a significant shift in hormone levels, primarily being estrogen and progesterone. Now these hormones play a crucial role in hair growth and maintenance and when they decline, the impact on your hair can be noticeable.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:01:09]:
Now during menopause, the balance between estrogen and testosterone will change, sometimes leading to an increase in androgenic which are male hormone related effects. Now one of these effects can be hair thinning or loss, especially on the scalp. Now I'm sure you're wondering, why does this happen? Well, number one, hormonal change. Decreased estrogen levels during menopause can lead to slower hair growth and thinning. Estrogen helps to keep hair in the growing phase, which is known as the anagen phase, for a more extended period. And that's anagen being spelled a n a g e n. Now with lower levels, hair may enter the resting or the telogen phase more quickly. That's te l o g e n, which leads to more hair shedding and less regrowth.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:02:05]:
Then number two is androgen sensitivity. Some women may experience an increase in androgen sensitivity leading to a condition called androgenic alopecia. This type of hair loss typically presents as thinning hair along the top and front of the scalp. Three are nutritional deficiencies. Menopause can sometimes lead to changes in dietary habits and nutrition absorption affecting hair health. Iron, vitamin D and B vitamins are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth, especially during menopause. Number four is stress. The transition through menopause can be stressful and stress itself is a well known factor that can contribute to hair loss.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:02:53]:
High stress levels can prematurely push hair follicles into the resting phase, leading to increased shedding. Having the understanding that menopause can contribute to hair loss is the first step towards managing it effectively, and here are a few strategies that can help you maintain healthy hair during this time of life. Balanced nutrition ensure that your diet is rich in essential nutrients. Focus on foods high in vitamins and minerals such as leafy greens, lean proteins, nuts and seeds. Supplements may also be beneficial, but consult with a healthcare provider first. Number two, as always, is stress management. Incorporate stress reducing practices into your daily routine. Yoga, meditation and regular exercise can help manage stress levels.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:03:49]:
Number three is gentle hair care. Use gentle, sulfate free shampoos and conditioners. Avoid excessive heat styling and harsh chemical treatments that can also damage hair. Four medical treatments in some cases, medical treatments like minoxidil or rogaine can be effective in promoting hair growth. Consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare provider can help to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Number five is hormone replacement therapy or HRT. For some women, HRT can help to alleviate various menopause symptoms, including hair loss. Discuss this with your healthcare provider to decide whether this option is suitable for you.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:04:42]:
The takeaway I hope to inspire with this episode is that menopause is a natural part of aging and while hair loss can be distressing, it's important to remember that you are not alone. Many women experience similar changes, and there are ways to manage and even improve hair health during this time. By focusing on a holistic approach that includes nutrition, stress management and appropriate hair care, you can navigate this phase of your life with confidence and grace. Understanding and addressing menopause related hair changes can empower you to take proactive steps for your overall well being. Remember, every journey through menopause is unique and finding what works best for you is vital. So stay informed, proactive and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Now, before I sign off, I want to share a resource that I think could really make a difference for you. Now, if you're feeling the impact of menopause, like thinning hair or hair loss, sleepless nights, mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, or more, I want you to know again, you are not alone and more importantly, there is something that you can do about it.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:05:59]:
And the first step to that is all about awareness. You must have a better understanding of menopause before you can confidently find the right solution to help you with it. So I've created a menopause awareness assessment to help determine your level of awareness and to provide insights as to how you can improve your menopause experience. Click the link in the bio section of this page or go to my website mrmenopause.com that's mrmenopause.com to find the menopause awareness assessment link at the top of the page. Thank you for joining me on this episode of Mister Menopause on the radio. I hope you found these insights helpful and empowering. Don't forget to subscribe and tune in next time as we continue to explore the many facets of menopause. Until then, stay safe and be well.
