Hair loss during menopause is a common problem caused by a drop in hormone levels – estrogen and progesterone. According to various studies, it is estimated that approximately 50 percent of all women experience some degree of hair loss during menopause.
Menopause is the point in a woman’s life that marks the end of the menstrual cycle, meaning twelve consecutive months without menstruation. Menopause occurs when a person is in their late 40s and its onset can be delayed until their early 50s.
Due to hormonal changes during menopause, women face many health problems including hair loss and other symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, emotional disturbances, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, etc. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that provide so many functions such as regulating the menstrual cycle, keeping bones strong and aiding hair growth. These hormones accelerate hair growth, increase hair density and help keep hair on the head longer.
During menopause, these hormones decrease, sometimes resulting in slow hair growth and also hair loss and thus hair loss. A decrease in such hormones can further increase hormone production of androgen (male hormones). Under normal circumstances, there are reduced androgen hormones in women. An increase in androgen hormones is known to shrink the hair follicles on the scalp, leading to hair loss, which is known as androgenic alopecia. Androgen hormones can lead to hair growth on the face (such as on the chin and upper lip) in some women.
In addition to hormonal imbalance, certain contributing factors, such as stress, nutritional deficiencies and age-related health problems, can play a role in hair loss during menopause. Hair loss can occur around perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause. Perimenopause means the period before reaching menopause, when hormone fluctuations have begun and menstruation has become irregular, but has not stopped completely. For some women, hair loss may begin after menopause, which means a woman has not had a period for twelve consecutive months. Postmenopause means after menopause has already occurred.
Hair may become thinner anywhere on the scalp, hair may fall out in clumps when combing or washing, the scalp may be visible when women part their hair, visible areas due to thinning hair (especially on top of the head – at the center parting ), but it can also occur near the front hairline or at the back of the head).
Homeopathic treatment
The homeopathic mode of treatment helps control hair loss in women during menopause. Homeopathic medicines stop further hair loss and prevent its worsening. These even help in hair growth depending on the intensity of hair loss. Besides hair loss, homeopathic medicines also help manage other complaints associated with menopause such as hot flashes, weight gain, emotional changes, vaginal dryness and loss of libido. Homeopathic medicines for hair loss treatment are made from natural substances and are therefore very safe to use without any toxic side effects. Homeopathic prescriptions to treat hair loss vary from case to case depending on the characteristic individual symptoms. Homeopathic medicines to treat hair loss should be taken under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and self-medication should be avoided.
Homeopathic medicines for hair loss during menopause
1. Sepia – Best solution
Sepia is the best medicine to treat various health problems during menopause. Hair loss is one of the major concerns among these. To tackle hair fall during menopause, Sepia tops the list of all homeopathic medicines. Those who need it have excessive hair loss, the scalp becomes dry and painful to the touch. When combing the hair, the scalp feels very sensitive. Sometimes small red pimples are present along the front hairline. Besides hair loss, its use is highly preferred to treat various other complaints during menopause. Some of these include hot flashes, weight gain, facial pigmentation, emotional disturbances such as sadness, irritability, feeling depressed, facial hair growth, vaginal dryness and loss of libido.
2. Phosphorus – for hair loss in clumps
The next prominent drug to control hair loss during menopause is phosphorus. This medicine is administered when clumps of hair fall (an amount that fills the hands). Although hair loss can occur in any of the scalp areas, the most prominent hair loss is the front part of the scalp. The hair is usually dry at the roots. Flaking of the scalp and itching can occur together with the above-mentioned complaint.
3. Calcarea Carb – For hair loss, worse combing
It is another effective medicine to control hair loss during menopause. It is a suitable medicine if there is excessive hair loss during combing. The hair becomes dry. There is pain in the hair roots. Increased sweating on the scalp occurs. Yellow-white scales may appear on the scalp.
4. Natrum Mur – For hair loss on the front and sides of the scalp
Natrum Mur is a beneficial medicine to help those cases where visible hair loss occurs from the front and sides of the scalp. The hair loss takes place even when the scalp is touched. The scalp is oily. Dandruff with whitish flakes and itching on the scalp may be present. In some cases, eruptions can be seen along the hairline. The few who need it can get headaches.
5. Lycopodium – For hair loss from the top of the scalp
This medicine is recommended if hair loss is visible from the top of the scalp. After this, hair loss may occur from the sides of the scalp. Itching on the scalp may be present. There is dandruff and burning sensation on the scalp. The scalp may have a foul odor.
6. Graphite – For bald spots on the scalp
Graphite is useful when there are bald spots on the scalp that are smooth and shiny. It is useful if hair falls from any part of the scalp, especially the sides of the scalp. This medication helps with other menopausal symptoms, such as weight gain, constipation and sadness with crying spells.
7. Phosphoric acid – against thinning or falling hair
This medicine is administered when there is hair loss or thinning hair. The hair becomes greasy. The scalp can also itch. In addition to the above indications, there may be an obvious general weakness. Those who need it may be very sad and exhibit indifferent behavior.
8. Sulfur – for dry hair that falls out easily
This medicine is applicable in those cases where the hair becomes dry and falls easily. The hair comes out in clumps during combing. The scalp is very itchy, especially in the evening, and is painful to the touch. There are intense hot flashes and a feeling of warmth in the head, hands and feet.
9. Thuja – For dry, split hair that falls
Thuja is effective when there is thinning hair. The hair becomes dry, splits and breaks. White flaky dandruff is present on the scalp. An itchy, prickling sensation is felt on the scalp which improves with scratching.