Hair Loss in Menopause

Let's discuss hair loss during menopause, Something I went through quite terribly, which I have now sorted out.

Dr. Archana Rao, a dermatologist with 20 years of experience, has seen women horrified by shower drains and aims to dispel common myths about them.

If your hair is disappearing, you're not imagining it. Hair loss is a common menopause symptom caused by falling oestrogen levels, which prolongs the typically hair growth. When oestrogen drops, hair sheds. Additionally, increased androgen activity, especially around the crown and temples, if genetically predisposed, exacerbates the issue.

Age also reduces collagen production, affecting your scalp's ability to support healthy hair. It's like your scalp is gradually becoming less hospitable real estate for hair follicles.

Now, onto the myths that need busting:

Myth 1: Expensive shampoo will save the day. Sorry, but throwing money at fancy bottles won't solve hormonal hair loss. A good shampoo should keep your scalp clean and healthy - think of it as providing decent soil for a plant to grow in. Important? Yes. A miracle cure? Absolutely not.

Myth 2: Wash less, lose less is false. Hair ready to fall will do so regardless of washing. Skipping washes won't prevent hair fall, but may cause a dramatic loss when you finally wash. Most women should wash their hair around three times a week, depending on their scalp condition.

Myth 3: Collagen drinks are the answer. The supplement industry wants you to believe this, but little evidence shows drinking collagen helps with hair loss. What helps? Proper nutrition—protein, iron, and vitamin D. Eat a balanced diet with good protein and your five-a-day, including leafy greens for iron.

Myth 4: Instagram influencers know best. Follower count doesn't mean medical expertise. If your hair loss persists, see a dermatologist specialising in hair disorders. Everyone's genetics, lifestyle, and hair are different.

Myth 5: Receding hairline is just ageing - nothing to do. This is dangerous because frontal fibrosing alopecia, common in perimenopausal women, is an autoimmune condition attacking hair follicles, often triggered by stress. It can cause scarring, but specific treatments can help prevent it.

The bottom line is that menopause-related hair loss isn't something you should just grin and bear. If it's affecting your confidence and quality of life, it deserves proper medical attention, not miracle solutions from social media