The ‘hidden’ symptom of the menopause most women have no idea about
MANY of the symptoms of menopause are well documented.
Hot flushes, brain fog, and weight gain are just some signs of the change millions of women go through each year.
But fewer people speak or – and are even aware of – the hair loss that comes with menopause.
Losing your hair at any age can be really difficult and distressing.
This is especially the case during menopause when hormonal and bodily shifts can impact your mood and confidence.
One survey conducted by Newson Health found 40 per cent of women experience hair loss during the menopause.
According to Harley Street trichologist, Dr Hugh Rushton, menopausal hair loss is primarily down to a change in hormones.
This type of hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia and can often resemble male-patterned baldness, which begins at the crown of the head.
“Menopause, with its drastic decline in oestrogen and progesterone, inadvertently gives more ‘playground’ to androgens,” the doctor explained
Oestrogen and progesterone being predominantly female hormones, while androgens are male.
“And these male hormones, if unregulated, can contribute to hair loss,” he said.
“It’s crucial to understand that androgens are not inherently detrimental.
“They’re essential for various bodily functions, but the body’s sensitivity to these in some people can be counterproductive for hair health, particularly during menopause,” the expert added.
However, the good news is hair loss caused by hormonal changes is manageable.
Dr Hugh said: “Treatments such as minoxidil, a topical medication known to stimulate hair growth, can be beneficial.
“In addition, anti-androgen preparations as well as certain hormone replacement therapies (HRT) can also be used to counterbalance the effects of androgens on the hair follicles.”
What is menopause?
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels.
This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
According to the NHS, common symptoms of the menopause include:
- Changes to your mood
- Problems with memory
- Hot flushes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry skin
- Reduced sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in body shape and weight gain
- Palpitations
- Headaches
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
HRT can help to reduce some of these symptoms.
But, due to misinformation spanning decades, many women may fear using HRT, and doctors can be reluctant to prescribe it.
Certain treatments have been going out of stock since 2018 due to problems in the supply chain and manufacturing, heightened by the pandemic and increased demand.
It means millions could be missing out on HRT, regarded as the most effective way to medically treat menopause symptoms.
The Sun’s Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign was launched in October 2021 to empower women to demand the healthy menopause they deserve, calling for free HRT for everyone.