A Hairy Tale: Navigating the Tress-stress of Menopause.
Confidence and Grace
Ladies, let's talk about tresses in distress during the major M - menopause. It’s the time when your body decides to throw a party and forgets to invite estrogen, leaving your hair in a state of "what the follicle?" Grey strands start crashing the party like uninvited guests, the texture of your hair goes from silk to burlap, and hair loss? Let's just say your shower drain is getting more action than a hair salon on formal night.
So why does your mane start to act like a rebellious teenager? Well, it's all thanks to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen and progesterone, the dynamic duo for luscious locks, take a nosedive, and androgens, the party poopers, begin to increase. This hormonal hoedown affects your hair's growth cycle, leading to thinning, grey hair, and texture changes.
Let’s face it, when you have a bad hair day every day, you just don’t feel right!! But fear not! You can still rock your locks with some mane management. Here's the lowdown on how to keep your hair high:
1. Colour Me Impressed: Embrace the grey or hit the dye. Grey is the new black, after all. But if you're not ready to join the silver fox club, there's no shame in a little colour therapy. There are some great no or low tox hair colour options out on the market. Henna’s can work wonders!
2. Texture Tango: If your hair's gone from smooth jazz to heavy metal, it's time to switch up your products. Look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that are like a spa day for your strands. Regular treatments using natural oils like Jojoba and Castor can work wonders for a hair pick me up.
3. Follicle Fitness: Keep your scalp in shape with regular massages. Also use a good quality hairbrush or comb. Wooden ones with rubber pins are great, non-damaging and don’t create static compared to plastic. Daily brushing is like a gym for your hair follicles, minus the sweat.
4. Dietary Do's: Feed your hair from the inside out. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can be like fertilizer for your follicles.
5. Stress Less: Stress is like junk food for your hair - it's no good. Take time out for yourself, breathe. Try yoga, meditation, or a good old-fashioned belly laugh can do wonders.
6. Supplemental Support: Consider hair supplements. They're like multivitamins for your mane, giving it a little extra oomph.
7. Embrace a new look: If your hair becomes too much to handle and you’re ready for a change, rock a chic, new contemporary look and go for short!
Remember, menopause may be a hairy situation, but with a little TLC, your locks can still be the life of the party. So, let your hair down (what's left of it), and embrace the change. After all, change is the only constant, and that includes your hair!
I’ve included some excellent articles to read more about this in more detail.
References:
- Verywell Health's overview of menopause and hair loss.
- Forbes Health's insights on menopause hair loss symptoms and treatments.
- Healthline'stips on preventing hair loss during menopause.
- Menopause Now's explanation of hair loss causes during menopause.
- Women's Health's advice on managing menopause hair loss.
- This Is Perimenopause's guide on perimenopause hair changes.