Hormonal changes are behind some of the most common signs of menopause, and a key root cause of hair thinning and shedding that’s common in this life stage. Purist spoke with Anjali Kasunich, ND, an in-house naturopathic doctor at Nutrafol, to learn more about the specific hormones behind menopause-related hair concerns—and what you can do about it, including supplements to take and lifestyle shifts to help you thrive through menopause.
PURIST: Which hormones are at play during menopause?
DR. ANJALI KASUNICH: Menopause is characterized by several changes to the levels of key hormones. In particular, declines in estrogen and progesterone occur, while the sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a more potent version of testosterone—can increase. The shift in these hormones is behind several signs of menopause, including hot flashes, mood changes, skin elasticity, disrupted sleep, and even hair thinning and shedding.
PURIST: How can these hormones affect your hair health?
AK: These hormones are key players in the changes that women experience during menopause, including ones that affect hair health. When estrogen levels decline significantly during menopause, this can shorten the growth phase of the hair cycle, resulting in thinning hair and increased shedding. The decline in progesterone levels and increased sensitivity to DHT can exacerbate these hair concerns. Experiences like hair thinning and shedding during menopause can feel isolating, and even surprising. That’s why knowledge is power!
PURIST: How can you adjust your lifestyle for the hormonal changes that begin with menopause?
AK: The effects of these hormonal changes can often come in hot and may throw you off balance as you try to find ways to adjust. There are a few ways that you can shift your lifestyle to help you not only prepare for these changes, but also to thrive through them. For example, low-impact exercises like walking and yoga can help with hot flashes and sleep. Resting with a cold pack under your pillow and wearing loose clothing can also help with hot flashes and night sweats. And incorporating supplements to help support your hair health and whole body through menopause can be a great addition to your toolkit. I often recommend Nutrafol Women’s Balance to women over the age of 45.
There are actually surprisingly few clinical studies done specifically focusing on women in menopause, and Nutrafol is the first and only hair growth supplement brand with published clinical studies on menopausal women. (Based on U.S. (placebo-controlled studies in) publications through Pubmed, Cochrane and top Google Scholar and ScienceDirect results as of December 11, 2023.)
Increasing protein and fiber intake can also be extremely beneficial during this time. Healthy protein options (for example, organic and grass-fed meats, fish, legumes, and eggs) can provide important amino acids for strong hair, muscles and bones. Fiber from vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to support healthy digestion and absorption of hair-healthy nutrients. Finally, it’s important to have conversations about menopause with friends and family, especially with women who are going through or have experienced menopause and can understand and support your journey. nutrafol.com