Written by Roshaan Bouwer.

The onset of menopause can be a trying time for women – we dread the hot flashes and mood swings, which are the most common symptoms. Another symptom experienced by more than 50% of women is postmenopausal hair thinning. Losing our hair can affect our confidence and make an already unpleasant situation worse.

This thinning process can sometimes start years before you stop menstruating and happens because of the hormonal changes taking place in the body during the perimenopausal phase.

While this is an avoidable phase in every woman’s life, it can be managed and treated.

Here’s a guide to what you can do to maintain your tresses:

Management through lifestyle changes

Reduce stress: Stress can intensify perimenopausal hair loss, so finding healthy ways to manage stress can be beneficial. Try meditation, yoga, spending time in the outdoors or a hobby that brings you joy.

Eat a balanced diet: Be sure to eat a balanced diet containing protein, vitamins and minerals, which are all necessary for good hair health.

Limit heat and chemical styling: Heat and chemical treatments can damage your hair and result in hair breakage, so be mindful when handling your hair and use a heat protectant to protect your hair from damage.

Practise gentle haircare: Hormonal changes can lead to hair becoming drier and brittle, so it is important to keep your hair hydrated. Wash less often and opt for sulphate-free shampoos, deep conditioners and leave-in treatments specifically formulated for dry or brittle hair to keep the hair healthy.

Consider supplements: Certain vitamins or supplements, such as biotin, iron or vitamin D could be beneficial for your hair health. Chat to your doctor about what could work for you.

Management through HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This is an option that might be recommended by your doctor as it will help manage hormone fluctuations and potentially slow down your hair loss.

Treatment

Minoxidil (Rogaine): This is is available over-the-counter and is a topical solution that can help stimulate hair growth.

ALSO SEE: Everything you need to know about Minoxidil for hair loss


Spironolactone: This is an anti-androgen prescription medication that may also help with hair loss.


Ketoconazole shampoo: This shampoo can help stimulate hair growth by lowering your androgen levels.

Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This therapy increases blood flow to the scalp, which may help stimulate hair growth.


Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: With this therapy concentrated platelets from your own blood are injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Hair transplant: Hair transplants are becoming an increasingly common solution to female pattern baldness.

Scalp microneedling: Here a device with fine needles is used to create tiny punctures on the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth.

Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before starting any new supplements or treatments.

ALSO SEE:

Understanding your hair porosity and the haircare that goes with it

Feature Image: Unsplash / Yoann Boyer