What No One Told Me About Menopause: It's A Hairy Situation

 This post is meant to share what I have learned about menopause based on my own experience.  It is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.  Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking help because of something you read on this website.

As women, there's a good chance that we have spent quite a bit of time thinking about and caring for our hair. Curly, straight, thick, thin, and a variety of colors. We are always either caring for what we have or trying to change it. And then along comes perimenopause... 

During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decline and allow for the androgens to have a greater influence on our body systems.  These fluctuations disrupt our hair growth, and can cause changes to our hair texture. 

Thinning hair is a common experience during perimenopause. The loss of estrogen and progesterone can cause increased shedding as well as a shorter growth stage. While the potential increase in androgens can contribute to follicle shrinkage - especially near the temples. 

Deficiencies in vitamins B and/or D can also contribute to poor hair health. A lack of certain minerals, such as zinc and iron can also contribute.

Perimenopause can also affect your hair's texture.  Decreasing estrogen may lead to brittle, drier hair. Some women experience more frizz or find their hair more difficult to manage. A change in your hair's curl pattern can also happen. 

And these changes may not be limited to the hair on top of our heads. Increased androgen levels can cause unexpected hair growth, especially on the face.  Many of us are struggling with a random chin hair that pops up out of no where. And some of us experience that single wirey black or white hair that sprouts out of some unusual places.  

Just as the hormonal changes can cause a thinning of the hair on our scalp, some women experience a decrease of body hair. You may notice that you don't have to shave your legs or armpits as often, or notice that you seem to have less public hair. Personally - I don't have to shave my legs anywhere near as often, but my armpit hair seems to flourish. Go figure.

There are some steps you can take to keep your hair as healthy and beautiful as possible throughout perimenopause and beyond.

• Practice good hair care. Choose gentle cleansers and conditioners free of harsh sulfates, parabens, alcohol, and silicones. Limit or avoid styling with high heat.
• Eat a diet rich in protein and nutrients that support hair health.
• Reduce your stress. 
• Consult with your doctor to rule out any underlying problems that may be affecting your hair health and to discuss treatment options.

Have you experienced any hair changes in perimenopause?