Androgenetic alopecia is the medical term for the noticeable thinning of scalp hair. Growth of excessive facial hair, known as hirsutism occurs in about half of all women by the age of fifty, although it can begin anytime after puberty. Alopecia is found to be as common in women as it is in men. It is just less apparent because it rarely causes balding in women. Menopause goes hand in hand with certain hormone levels dropping; for example progesterone and estrogen. Low progesterone and estrogen levels induce a new hormonal pattern, which contributes to hair loss on the head and also appears to increase hair growth on the face.

Green vegetables are particularly rich in iron

There are many options in treating menopausal hair loss (and unwanted hair growth). The first step is visiting your doctor for a full workup. Be sure to be honest about your family history, diet, daily routines and stress levels because this is the key to finding the right solution for you. The treatment plans that are often recommended involve both pharmaceuticals and lifestyle changes. The medicines that may be prescribed are a small, short term dose of estrogen to regulate your hormone levels or minoxidil, which commonly comes in a cream or drops that can be applied directly to the head. An well known over-the-counter form of minoxidil is Rogaine, but doctors warn against using this product before consulting with your physician to discuss side effects. Other options for treating hair loss caused by menopause would be a low dose of steroids or a drug called metformin, which is commonly used for type 2 diabetes.

There are alternative options for treating hair loss and preventing it other than pharmaceuticals. Changing your diet to include more protein and iron rich foods has been shown to aid in hair rejuvenation as well as getting more exercise, using hair loss prevention shampoos and making sure to take more vitamin B. All of these suggestions may take a few months for you to notice a difference so be patient.

Stress is also a major factor in hair loss. Chronically high levels of stress hormones can result in excess androgen, which is a male sex hormone. This causes your hair to stop growing on your head and start growing on your face. Changing your daily routines can reduce your stress levels drastically. Getting the right amount of sleep, increasing the amount of exercise you get and spending a little time to intentionally relax are great ways to do this. Not only do they help reduce your stress levels, but they can also aid in relieving other menopausal related symptoms.

Menopausal hair loss is usually temporary but changing your lifestyle and diet and perhaps using a product geared to help with hair loss can increase your chances of stopping hair loss and preventing further issues from occurring.