Hormones take centrestage<\/p>\n
Maria Dowling, founder of Mariadowling Salon Dubai, explains: \u201cWith both oestrogen and progesterone decreasing during this time of life, the hair can become thin. In some cases, there can even be increased facial hair growth, like on the chin or upper lip, as androgens act differently on various hair follicles.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOestrogen helps hair grow by keeping it in its growth phase longer,\u201d Dowling explains. \u201cWhen oestrogen drops, hair grows for a shorter time before shedding, so it becomes thinner and finer.\u201d Progesterone helps balance male hormones like testosterone, but as progesterone falls, hair thinning can increase.<\/p>\n
The difference between menopause and medical conditions<\/p>\n
However, not all hair loss during midlife is menopause-related. Women are also at higher risk for thyroid imbalances, iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, or low protein intake, Zinc deficiency all of which can worsen hair thinning.<\/p>\n
Other causes of diffuse hair loss are sudden and severe weight loss, medications, underlying autoimmune disorders, weight loss medications, following a febrile illness ( fever). It is essential to rule out these causes with simple blood tests, as addressing them can significantly improve hair health.<\/p>\n
Menopausal hair thinning typically presents as a diffuse reduction in volume across the scalp rather than distinct bald patches. Alopecia areata, for instance, causes well-defined circular or oval bald spots, sometimes overnight. <\/p>\n
Androgenetic alopecia, another common condition, shows patterned thinning, usually on the crown. A dermatologist can perform a scalp examination, sometimes with trichoscopy or blood work, to differentiate these causes, as Dr. Jobeetha Yoosuf, Specialist Dermatologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital explains. <\/p>\n
Hair rescue: Treatments that work<\/p>\n
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, says Dowling. Keeping your scalp in top shape is key. Supplements can boost thicker, fuller hair, while treatments such as topical minoxidil, oral medications, or low-level laser therapy can slow thinning and even encourage regrowth. \u201cYou may not fully reverse hair loss, but these treatments can help keep what you have and improve overall hair density,\u201d Dowling adds.<\/p>\n
Dr. Yoosuf, adds that regenerative and hormonal therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microneedling with growth factors, and emerging exosome treatments are showing promise. Some women may also benefit from anti-androgen medications like spironolactone, prescribed under medical supervision.<\/p>\n
Managing expectations and emotions<\/p>\n
Hair loss can feel upsetting, but knowing what\u2019s happening makes the journey easier. As Maria Dowling reassures, \u201cYour hair is not just about beauty\u2014it\u2019s a reflection of overall health. With the right care, you can navigate these changes gracefully.\u201d<\/p>\n
And there\u2019s hope: Dr. Hannabi Hashimkutty reminds women that while menopausal thinning may not fully reverse, there\u2019s plenty you can do. \u201cMenopause is a natural transition. Treatments, diet, and scalp care can make a real difference in how your hair looks and feels.\u201d<\/p>\n
Menopause brings change\u2014sometimes subtle, sometimes stark\u2014but knowledge and proactive care put you back in the driver\u2019s seat. From scalp detoxes to targeted nutrition, stress management, and professional treatments, it\u2019s possible to maintain hair that is healthier, thicker, and resilient.<\/p>\n
Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. She covers a wide range of stories\u2014from community and health to mental health and inspiring people features. <\/p>\n
A passionate K-pop enthusiast, she also enjoys exploring the cultural impact of music and fandoms through her writing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Hormones take centrestage Maria Dowling, founder of Mariadowling Salon Dubai, explains: \u201cWith both oestrogen and progesterone decreasing during…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":242617,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[49,48,84],"class_list":{"0":"post-242616","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-canada","10":"tag-health"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=242616"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242616\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/242617"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=242616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=242616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=242616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}