Hair Loss during Perimenopause

By Hannah R. | Updated: Aug 02, 2016

Ladies

As a woman's hair can often be an intrinsic aspect of her femininity, especially on middle-aged women, when perimenopause causes hair loss, although common, the experience can be highly distressing. Understanding what triggers this symptom is an essential step to effectively managing it. Read on to learn more about hair loss during perimenopause.

Causes of Excessive Hair Loss during Perimenopause

Understanding Hair Loss during Perimenopause

Hair loss, or "alopecia," refers to a condition in which a person loses more hair than normal. Typically, a hair follicle grows one quarter of an inch per month for up to six years before falling out and being replaced by another. Hair loss during perimenopause occurs when the rate of loss exceeds that of re-growth.

Largely, hair loss is popularly considered to only affect men. However, during perimenopause, nearly all women will experience some degree of hair loss or thinning. However, unlike in cases of male hair loss, the experience does not typically result in complete baldness. Generally, women will only experience hair thinning.

Because of the negative impact that hair loss can have on a woman's self-esteem, it is wise to deal with the condition swiftly. The following information will help to illustrate the various causes.

What Causes Hair Loss during Perimenopause?

The causes of excessive hair loss during perimenopause and menopause vary. Generally, however, they can be separated into two categories: psychological and physical causes.

Physical Causes

Hormonal imbalance is considered to be the primary cause of hair loss during perimenopause. DHT - a form of testosterone - is generally to blame for hair loss when its levels are out of balance. The end result is the excessive hair loss and hair thinning that women experience during perimenopause.

Psychological Causes

Anxiety, emotional stress, and fatigue are just some of the everyday causes of hair loss or thinning during perimenopause. If these factors are not controlled, they can cause emotional unrest and trigger hair loss. Usually, however, alopecia caused by psychological factors is temporary, and normal growth will continue once emotional harmony has been restored.

Managing Hair Loss

Due to hair loss's link with testosterone, the best methods for managing hair loss involve ensuring hormone levels remain stable. This can be achieved naturally by keeping a healthy diet and exercise regime. As engaging in regular exercise also reduces stress, practicing healthy lifestyle changes will also have a pronounced effect on hair loss triggered by psychological factors.

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