Hair loss can be a problem around the age of menopause and it is a common reason women visit trichologists, dermatologists, or hair loss experts.
Diminishing oestrogen levels gradually lead to a heavier shedding rate of hair and/or a noticeable reduction in thickness. There’s also an increase of androgens — male hormones that women have too — weakening scalp hair and triggering more facial and body hair. There’s no miracle cure, but the following measures can help; allow several months to see a difference.
Eat protein
Because hair is essentially protein, make sure you eat high-quality meat, oily fish, poultry or eggs at breakfast (when energy levels to hair follicles are at their lowest) and also at lunch.
Up your iron intake
Iron deficiency is common (a third of women aged 51–64 are below par). If you don’t eat much red meat, try a supplement.
Pep up a sluggish digestion
This can lead to limp, oily hair, so eat lots of fresh vegetables and drink water to keep the strands hydrated. Nutritionists advise plenty of live yoghurt, olive oil, nuts and seeds. Reduce dairy foods, caffeine, sugar and salt.
Consider supplements
Pharmacists suggest Saw Palmetto, which helps counteract androgenic activity, plus Silica for healthy hair.
Give hair TLC
Shampoo and condition it often — taking time first to massage the scalp all over using your fingertips (with a little borage or wheat germ oil) to aid blood and nutrient flow to the follicles.
Apply weekly masks
Massage in a scalp mask for five minutes, then follow with a hair mask.
A topical drug may help
Minoxidil is licensed for pattern baldness in women too. It works better in younger women but the effect is slight (about 20 per cent of women aged 20 to 54 see moderate hair growth) and it’s expensive because you have to keep using it or the newly grown hair will fall out.
