Menopause: How To Fight Against Hair Loss

Menopause is characterized by variations in hormones, which can sometimes affect the health of the hair, which is often very sensitive to these hormonal changes. A few keys to understanding, to learn how to pamper them as best as possible and avoid falling.

"A low estrogenic activity acts on the various hair growth factors", notes Leila El Marbouh, Dr. René Furterer / Pierre Fabre in Pharmacology. With a reduced anagen phase (growth time), reduced blood exchange, and production of enzymes and keratin, the hair bulb is less well anchored, and its stem thinner and more fragile. Depending on the woman, this results in less volume, brittle, thinning, dull hair ... and sometimes androgenetic alopecia (AAG). To stop the fall and regulate the production of sebum, the doctor may prescribe anti-androgen therapy until normalcy is restored.

The solution can also be found on the plate. "Vitamins and trace elements are also essential for the beauty of hair: iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, vitamins P.P. or B5 and B6", explains Valérie Espinasse, Micronutritionist. "We must therefore focus on fatty acids (" northern "fish), as well as fresh vegetables and fruits, red meat, liver, legumes, and lentils," she adds. If your menus are poor, or if the body does not fix them, there are food supplements that allow supplementation. To do at least as a 3-month course.

For maintenance: gentleness is essential. We favor mild shampoos and conditioners enriched with keratin to coat the fiber and give plumping to the root. In coloring, we opt for vegetable formulas. Finally, "massaging the scalp once or twice a week is excellent for stimulating blood circulation and strengthening the bulb", concludes Leila El Marbouh.

With menopause, hair growth also changes

"The drop in estrogen no longer counteracts the effect of androgens, we sometimes observe a down on the so-called" male "areas (chin, upper lip)", observes Dr. Sophie Bargy, Obstetrician Gynecologist. Only laser sessions at the dermatologist can solve the problem. As it is hormonal, the result is not final. You, therefore, need 1 to 2 maintenance sessions per year. "As for pubic hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, 10 to 12 years after the onset of menopause, they tend to whiten and become scarce," remarks Prof. Florence Trémollières. Because the melanocytes become lazy. If there is make-up or coloring for the eyelashes and eyebrows, choose "intimate dye" kits, which are lighter in oxidants than hair products. It remains to choose the right color and respect the exposure time. But for more safety (beware of the mucous membranes!), We advise you to go to an institute. Finally, to restore vigor to the hairs, castor oil is a good indication, provided you apply it regularly.