What is with Menopause Hair?

As we learn more and more through science about the effects of the menopause on women we can endeavour to put into practice the learnings in order to help women experience less negative impact during this transitional time. There’s no skirting around it, Menopause is a fact of life. The degree of impact this change has on women's bodies varies but one aspect we aim to help with in this article is how you can protect and maintain your healthy hair through and beyond this phase of life.The hormonal shifts that take place during Menopause causes many women to experience hair thinning, dryness, and increased vulnerability to damage. In the salon I see day in and day out how much going through Menopause can change a woman's hair. In recent years I have been more informed to be able to help guide and advise my clients at this time and in the process have been fortunate to have been able help many women protect their hair, keeping it fuller and more youthful.

So let’s dive in and learn about the best ways to protect your hair during menopause:

Why does hair thin during menopause?

It is very common for women to notice their hair becomes weaker and thinner as well as experiencing excess shedding during Menopause. This is due to a combination of factors, primarily as a result of the hormone changes that take place as well as the natural ageing process. As the ovaries produce less Oestrogen and Progesterone, an overall imbalance of hormones in the body can have various effects on the hair growth cycle and overall health of the hair.

Hormonal Imbalance: Oestrogen plays a protective role in maintaining hair health by promoting hair growth and thickness. When estrogen levels decline during menopause, the hair growth phase (anagen) may become shorter, while the resting phase (telogen) may lengthen. This can lead to increased shedding and thinning of the hair.

Androgen Activity: As Oestrogen levels drop, androgen hormones, such as testosterone, can have a relatively greater impact on the hair follicles. Androgens can shrink hair follicles, leading to a condition known as androgenic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. It causes the hair to become thinner and finer over time. 

Reduced Collagen Production: Estrogen is also involved in collagen production, a crucial component for hair strength and elasticity. As estrogen levels decline, collagen production may decrease, making the hair more susceptible to damage and breakage.

Decreased Blood Flow: Hormonal changes can affect blood circulation, reducing the nutrient and oxygen supply to hair follicles. This can weaken the hair and hinder new hair growth.

Telogen Effluvium: Menopause can be a stressful period for some women, and stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium. This is a temporary form of hair shedding where a significant number of hair follicles enter the resting phase and fall out. The hair loss typically becomes noticeable a few months after the triggering event. This is the kind of hair loss that affected my wife Laura, and what led us to create CENTRED. 

What are the best Vitamins and Minerals for Menopausal hair loss?

Making sure you are feeding your body with quality nutrition is really important during Menopause in order to nourish and support you during what is often a stressful time. The following is a list of some of the best known vitamins and minerals for helping with Menopausal hair loss:

Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin is often referred to as the "hair vitamin" because it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. It is involved in the synthesis of keratin, a protein that forms the structure of hair.

Vitamin C: This antioxidant vitamin helps support collagen production, which is essential for healthy hair growth and strength.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for many bodily functions, including hair growth. Deficiency in vitamin D has been associated with hair loss.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and promote hair health.

Iron: Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women. Ensuring adequate iron intake may be beneficial.

Zinc: Zinc is vital for hair tissue growth and repair and can support hair follicle health.

Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which may help support a healthy scalp and hair growth.

Selenium: Selenium is an essential mineral that can support hair health and growth.

Silica: Silica is a trace mineral that contributes to hair strength and thickness.

Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin helps improve blood circulation, which may benefit hair follicles.

Say hello to Tender Love & Hair - Menopausal hair support supplement with Ashwagandha, Macca extract and Bamboo silica.

Our Tender Love & Hair is specifically formulated to protect and restore hair pre, during and post menopause by supporting the body with an expertly formulated blend of herbal extracts, minerals and vitamins.

Our unique tri-adaptogen blend helps to balance hormones, increase collagen and Keratin production and strengthen hair from the  inside out. Balancing the vitamins and minerals that are normally prone to lack during menopause, Tender Love & Hair gives gives your hair its youthful radiance during and beyond menopause. 

Alongside taking Tender Love & Hair daily to support you hair during menopause internally, it is really crucial to also feed your follicles from the outside by nourishing the scalp. Our solution for this is our award winning En-Root Scalp Oil formulated with Rosemary Leaf Extract, Peppermint and Castor Oil. En-Root stimulates healthy hair growth by increasing nutrient rich blood flow to the hair follicles whilst strengthening and invigorating roots. The scalp really is the flower bed for healthy hair. 

It is also important to care for you hair and scalp with the right products that nourish and hydrate during menopause as hair is prone to becoming more dry and brittle. Supermarket bought shampoos and conditioners contain cheap synthetic ingredients and harsh chemicals that can strip hair of its natural oils. 

Our Shampoos and Conditioners deeply replenish lost moisture whilst being gentle to your hai rand scalp, protecting the delicate biome. check out our Hydrating duo and Volume duo.

If you have any questions we are here to support you on your healthy hair journey. You can reach us on hello@erarececentred.com and @wearecentred